The Global Race to FIFA World Cup 2026 Begins
The countdown to the biggest football event in history has begun. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers are underway, and national teams from every corner of the world are battling for their spot in this expanded 48-team tournament. With the competition set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, anticipation is at an all-time high.
But before the world turns its eyes to North America in 2026, a long and thrilling qualification journey must unfold. This blog covers the format, participating teams, schedules, latest standings, and everything else you need to know about the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
How Teams Can Reach the 2026 World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers are divided across six continental football confederations, each with its own format and number of qualifying spots. The increase from 32 to 48 teams means more nations than ever have a chance to qualify.
AFC (Asia)
Asia has been allocated 8 direct slots and 1 intercontinental playoff spot. The qualifiers feature multiple rounds, including group stages and final knockouts.
CAF (Africa)
Africa receives 9 direct spots and 1 playoff slot. All 54 nations compete in a group stage format, where only the group winners qualify directly.
CONCACAF (North & Central America)
This region has 6 total slots. USA, Mexico, and Canada are already qualified as hosts. The remaining three will qualify through group stages and playoffs.
CONMEBOL (South America)
With 6 direct and 1 playoff spot, South America uses a round-robin league format. All 10 teams play each other home and away.
UEFA (Europe)
Europe leads with 16 qualifying slots. Teams are placed in 12 groups, and the winners qualify directly. Runners-up enter playoff rounds.
OFC (Oceania)
Oceania has 1 direct qualification spot for the first time. The rest compete for a playoff chance, with New Zealand considered the frontrunner.
This format ensures global representation while maintaining a competitive balance.
Participating Teams in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
With the exception of the three host nations, nearly every FIFA-affiliated country is part of the qualification race. From traditional powerhouses like Germany, Brazil, Argentina, and France, to emerging nations such as Qatar, Morocco, and Uzbekistan, the competition is intense across continents.
Africa is seeing fierce competition between Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. In Asia, Japan and South Korea lead the charge. South America continues to revolve around Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. These teams, among many others, are hoping to book a spot in football’s most prestigious tournament.
For the complete and regularly updated list of teams that have qualified or are expected to qualify, check out this detailed update on FIFA World Cup 2026 teams.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Schedule and Fixtures
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers kicked off in early 2023 and will run through late 2025. Each confederation follows its own timeline. Here’s a brief look:
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AFC & CAF: Early rounds started in 2023, final rounds expected in 2024–2025
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UEFA: Group matches span 2024
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CONMEBOL: Fixtures run from 2023 to 2025
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CONCACAF & OFC: Structured in stages throughout 2024–2025
High-stakes fixtures such as Brazil vs. Argentina, Germany vs. France, and Japan vs. Iran are already creating buzz. These matches are vital in shaping the final list of qualified teams.
Who’s Leading the Race?
As the qualifiers progress, each confederation updates its own points tables. Standings are based on standard FIFA rules: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss.
In UEFA, each group’s leader qualifies directly. CONMEBOL uses a league format where the top six move forward. Meanwhile, CAF and AFC rely on group rankings to determine who advances.
Keeping track of these standings helps fans stay up-to-date with which teams are likely to qualify and which still have work to do.
Star Players and Top Scorers of the Qualifiers
While teams compete for qualification, individual brilliance shines through. Lionel Messi continues to lead Argentina, while Kylian Mbappé is pivotal for France. Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, and Victor Osimhen are also making headlines with crucial goals.
These top scorers not only influence their team’s fate but also drive fan engagement and viewership. Following these players adds extra excitement to the qualifiers.
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Live
Fans can watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers through various TV channels and digital platforms, depending on region:
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FIFA+ (online streaming)
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ESPN, Fox Sports, beIN Sports, and Sky Sports
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Local broadcasters for country-specific games
Streaming options allow fans worldwide to follow their favorite teams in real-time, whether on TV, mobile apps, or official websites.
FAQs About FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Q1: How many teams will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
A total of 48 teams will qualify, with allocations spread across six confederations.
Q2: Which countries are already qualified?
The three host nations—USA, Canada, and Mexico—have automatically secured their spots.
Q3: When will the qualifiers end?
Qualifiers will conclude in late 2025, followed by the final tournament draw in early 2026.
Q4: Which platforms are streaming the qualifiers?
Matches are available on FIFA+, ESPN, Fox Sports, and local networks depending on the region.
Q5: How are teams selected through playoffs?
Teams that don’t qualify directly may get a second chance via intercontinental playoffs, involving matchups between continents.
A Journey Worth Watching
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers represent the passion, unpredictability, and spirit of world football. With the tournament’s expanded format, fans can expect more drama, more goals, and new stories from underdog nations. Stay connected, follow the standings, and don’t miss a moment of this incredible journey toward football’s ultimate stage.
For official updates, match fixtures, and qualification formats, you can visit the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers page on FIFA.com.
