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- How has FIFA World Cup Finals qualification altered?
- Who qualified automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™?
- Has Australia qualified for the World Cup 2026?
- Who are the qualified teams from Asia for the FIFA World Cup 26™?
- Who are the qualified teams from Africa for the FIFA World Cup 26™?
- Who are the qualified teams from South America for the FIFA World Cup 26™?
- Who are the qualified teams from Europe for the FIFA World Cup 26™?
- Who are the qualified teams from Oceania for the FIFA World Cup 26™?
- Every team already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
- How will the Inter-conference play-off tournament work?
- When is the FIFA World Cup 26™ final draw?
The changes to FIFA World Cup qualification
The FIFA World Cup 26™ is on the horizon, and the tournament, which is set to be held in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico, will bring a host of firsts. SBS will again be the exclusive Australian broadcaster for the world's biggest sporting event.
An expansion to 48 nations for the FIFA World Cup 26™ from the current structure of 32 teams will see growth beyond the normal countries seen at the tournament.
Take a look at the nations that have already booked their ticket to Canada, Mexico and the USA - including some statistics and trivia from past appearances.
The increase to the number of teams has meant each region has seen an increase in their quota of nations that qualify for the FIFA World Cup™.
- Asia: 8 (+4 compared to 2022)
- Africa: 9 (+4)
- North, Central America and Caribbean: 6 (+3)
- Europe: 16 (+3)
- South America: 6 (+2)
- Oceania: 1 (+1)
Automatic Qualification
Co-hosts
These countries qualified automatically as hosts of the tournament, though unlike previous FIFA World Cups - their qualification allotment was deducted from the CONCACAF qualification quota.
Canada
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 7: Alphonso Davies in action for Canada against the United States Credit: Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images
How qualified: Host nation
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group stage (1982, 2022)
World Cup Appearances: 1982, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Alphonso Davies is the only Canadian to score a goal at a FIFA World Cup, opening the scoring in their fifth-ever World Cup fixture, a 4-1 loss against Croatia in 2022.
Canada hadn't scored in the previous four matches, and their only other goal was an own goal by Morocco's Nayef Aguerd.
Mexico
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 30: Hirving Lozano of Mexico during their only win of the 2022 World Cup, a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) Credit: DeFodi Images/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
How qualified: Host nation
Best World Cup Finals performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Mexico will become the first country to host three editions of the FIFA World Cup, having previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, the latter coming after Colombia pulled out from hosting duties.
USA
ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 24: Christian Pulisic and the United States Mens National team with the CONCACAF Nations League Finals Winner's Trophy (Getty Images) Credit: Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images
How qualified: Host nation
Best World Cup Finals performance: 3rd place (1930)
World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1934, 1950, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: USA's Bert Patenaude was the first hat-trick scorer at the FIFA World Cup, completing the feat in a 3-0 victory against Paraguay on July 17, 1930.
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualification
These countries qualified via a series of group formats, with eight direct spots and one play-off tournament place assigned to the AFC.
Australia
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Harry Souttar, Kusini Yengi and Jackson Irvine of Australia are defended by Lebanon's Bassel Jradi during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) Credit: Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
How qualified: Australia finished second in their group, clinching qualification in June after a comeback 2-1 win against Saudi Arabia.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
World Cup Appearances: 1974, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: The qualification for the FIFA World Cup 26™ was the first time Australia has secured direct qualification since their 2014 campaign.
On both occasions the Socceroos reached the World Cup Round of 16, they were eliminated by the eventual champions (Italy in 2006 and Argentina in 2022).
Saudi Arabia
BURAYDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 14: Players of Saudi Arabia celebrate after FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Saudi Arabia and Iraq at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) Credit: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
How qualified: Saudi Arabia were third in the second round of qualifying behind Japan and Australia, but made the most of the third round chance, ultimately securing a World Cup berth with a 0-0 draw against Iraq as they topped their group.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Round of 16 (1994)
World Cup Appearances: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Mohamed Al-Deayea holds the joint record for most goals conceded by a goalkeeper at FIFA World Cups, as much a tribute to the goalkeeper's longevity in seeing four World Cups as the fact that Saudi Arabia were very leaky at the back.
Their 8-0 loss to Germany as part of Al-Deayea's record is the largest in FIFA World Cups this side of 1974.
Qatar
Almoez Ali of Qatar celebrates after the team's victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian qualifiers playoffs group A match between Qatar and United Arab Emirates at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on October 14, 2025. (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Source: NurPhoto / NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
How qualified: Qatar were third out of their second round qualifying group, but went on to make it through to the World Cup as they topped their third round group, beating UAE 2-1 to confirm qualification.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group Stage (2022)
World Cup Appearances: 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Qatar are the only nation to play in a FIFA World Cup without qualifying for one, and went on to perform poorly in their home tournament in 2022. They were the hosts to score the fewest goals (1), the first to lose all three group games, and the lowest-ranked team in the tournament (ranked 32nd).
IR Iran
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Iran prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and IR Iran. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) Credit: DeFodi Images/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
How qualified: Iran won an impressive seven from ten matches in their qualifying group, their only loss 1-0 away to Qatar when going down to 10-men. Their 2-2 draw with group rivals Uzbekistan on March 25 confirmed their qualification.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group stage
World Cup Appearances: 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Mehdi Taremi scored the latest goal in a non-extra time match at a FIFA World Cup, a 90+13th minute goal in a loss against England that made the result 6-2.
Uzbekistan
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 24: Eldor Shomurodov of Team Uzbekistan celebrates scoring during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 (Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) Credit: DeFodi Images/Getty Images
How qualified: A 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi was enough for Uzbekistan to take the second automatic qualification spot behind Iran in their group with a game to spare.
Best World Cup Finals performance: N/A
World Cup Appearances: N/A
FIFA World Cup trivia: Eldor Shomurodov is Uzbekistan's top scorer of all-time, recording 42 goals in just 82 games, at 30 years of age with plenty more time to add to his tally.
Jordan
(Muscat, Oman, June 5, 2025) Jordan's Musa Al-Taamari takes on Oman's goalkeeper Faiyz Al-Rusheidi and defender Khalid Al-Braiki during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (Photo by Ameen Ahmed/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Source: NurPhoto / NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
How qualified: An Ali Olwan hat-trick against Oman saw Jordan advance after favourable results elsewhere helped them qualify from their group with a game in hand, finishing behind Korea Republic.
Best World Cup Finals performance: N/A
World Cup Appearances: N/A
FIFA World Cup trivia: Jordan were managed briefly by former Premier League coach Harry Redknapp during qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, his two-game stint a very high-scoring one with a 8-0 win over Bangladesh followed by a 5-1 loss to Australia.
Korea Republic
HARRISON, NJ - SEPTEMBER 06: Son Heungmin #7 of Korea Republic during the game against the United States of America (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Credit: Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
How qualified: Korea Republic did not lose any games in their 16-match qualification, and qualified with a game in hand with a 2-0 win over Iraq.
Best World Cup Finals performance: 4th (2002)
World Cup Appearances: 1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022.
FIFA World Cup trivia: Korea have the unwanted record of conceding the fastest World Cup goal in history, when Hakan Şükür scored after just 11 seconds for Türkiye in the 2002 third-placed play-off.
Japan
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Takefusa Kubo of Japan in action during a friendly against Mexico. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) Credit: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
How qualified: Japan were the first nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, finishing comfortably top of their group ahead of Australia, with a 2-0 win over Bahrain securing qualification.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
World Cup Appearances: 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Yūto Nagatomo could enter a select group of players to participate in five men's World Cup tournaments. Currently, just six players ever have managed the feat - Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Lothar Matthaus (Germany), Andrés Guardado, Rafael Márquez and Antonio Carbajal (all Mexico).
Confederation of African Football (CAF)
Nine countries qualified as the winners of groups with direct spots, with the four best second-place finishers headed to a second round play-off for the one Play-Off Tournament spot for CAF.
Algeria
Algerian player Mohamed El Amine Amoura celebrates his goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Algeria and Mozambique in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, on March 25, 2025 (Photo by Billel Bensalem / APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images). Source: NurPhoto / NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
How qualified: As the clear favourites in Group G of World Cup qualification, Algeria only had an early slip-up against Guinea to really blot their campaign, as they qualified with a game to spare ahead of Uganda.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Round of 16 (2014)
World Cup Appearances: 1982, 1986, 2010, 2014
FIFA World Cup trivia: In 1982, Algeria upset powerhouses West Germany on the opening day, but subsequent results meant that by the final match of the group Austria v West Germany, both teams knew that they would progress with a low-scoring win for West Germany. After West Germany took an early lead, the rest of the match was played out without contest.
Algeria protested to FIFA, who ruled that the result be allowed to stand, but it led to a revised qualification system at subsequent World Cups in which the final two games in each group were played simultaneously.
Algeria were the first team to win two games in the first round and not advance to the knockout stage.
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)
Praia , Cape Verde - 13 October 2025; Roberto Lopes, left, and Garry Rodrigues of Cape Verde celebrate their side's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the FIFA World Cup 2026 African qualifying match between Cape Verde and Eswatini at Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia, Cape Verde. (Photo By Cristiano Barbosa/Sportsfile via Getty Images) Credit: Sportsfile/Sportsfile via Getty Images
How qualified: A 3-0 win over Eswatini in October sealed qualification for Cabo Verde's first ever World Cup finals, as they finished top of a group including past World Cup participants in Cameroon and Angola.
Best World Cup Finals performance: N/A
World Cup Appearances: N/A
FIFA World Cup trivia: Cabo Verde have become the second-least populous country to qualify for the global finals, with a population of just over 500,000.
Egypt
(10) Mohamed Salah of Egypt team battle for possession with (17) Moussa Araita Hamadou of Djibouti team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers football match between Egypt and Djibouti at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 16 November 2023. (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Source: NurPhoto / NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
How qualified: Egypt were strong in Group A of African World Cup qualification, with Mohammed Salah leading the way for the Pharoahs. He took the scoring record for this African World Cup qualification period, and also the all-time record, reaching goal number 20 and surpassing Didier Drogba, Islam Slimani, Samuel Eto'o and Moumouni Dagano, who all have 18.
Egypt wrapped up their berth at the FIFA World Cup 26™ with a 3-0 win over Djibouti, leaving them with a game in hand.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group Stage
World Cup Appearances: 1934, 1990, 2018
FIFA World Cup trivia: In their final group match against Saudi Arabia in 2018, goalkeeper Essam El Hadary became the oldest player to appear in a World Cup match at 45 years and 161 days old.
Ghana
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Jordan Ayew of Ghana at Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images
How qualified: As one of the powerhouse footballing nations of Africa, Ghana were shocked with their failure to qualify for AFCON, coupled with an early World Cup qualification loss to Comoros, and their coach Otto Addo had to resist widespread calls to resign.
They bounced back after that thanks to a well-timed scoring spree from Jordan Ayew, whose seven goals in qualification helped Ghana through to their fifth World Cup.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
World Cup Appearances: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: What is Asamoah Gyan famous for at FIFA World Cups? Well statiscally, it should be converting penalties, as he scored three of four times he stepped up to the spot in the 2010 World Cup. Unfortunately, his last-minute miss after a Luis Suarez deliberate handball will be the one he's remembered for.
Morocco
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Achraf Dari of Morocco celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 3rd Place match between Croatia and Morocco (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
How qualified: Morocco easily topped their group, winning all their matches and sealing qualification with two matches in hand after a 5-0 win over Niger.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Fourth (2022)
World Cup Appearances: 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026
FIFA World Cup trivia: The 1986 Morocco team were the first African team to win their group and reach the knockout stage, and the 2022 side were the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
Tunisia
TUNIS, TUNISIA - JUIN 05: Tunisia team celebrates its first goal during the football match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, between Tunisia and Equatorial Guinea (Photo by Hasan Mrad/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) Credit: DeFodi Images/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
How qualified: Tunisia qualified top of their group, officially going through after defeating Equatorial Guinea 1-0 with a stoppage-time winner from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
World Cup Appearances: 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Tunisia is one of the teams credited with putting African football on the map, their spirited 1978 World Cup showing was the precursor to the increase in the number of direct qualifiers from Africa.
Côte d'Ivoire
BOUAKE, IVORY COAST - FEBRUARY 3: Simon Adingra of Côte D'Ivoire celebrates scoring his team's first goal to make the score 1-0 during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal match between Mali and Ivory Coast at on February 3, 2024 in Stade Bouake in Bouake, Ivory Coast. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) Credit: MB Media/Getty Images
How qualified: Cote d'Ivoire's qualification was a titanic struggle against Gabon, with both sides winning eight games, and the only goal of their matches against each other being Seko Fofana's lovely strike that saw them win 1-0 on Matchday 3, a lead they didn't relinquish.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group Stage (2006, 2010, 2014)
World Cup Appearances: 2006, 2010, 2014
FIFA World Cup trivia: Yaya Touré is the only Cote d'Ivoire player to have appeared in all The Elephants FIFA World Cup matches.
Senegal
DAKAR, SENEGAL - MARCH 25: Senegal fans support their team during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers group B match between Senegal and Togo at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, Dakar, Senegal on March 25, 2025. (Photo by Cem Ozdel/Anadolu via Getty Images) Source: Anadolu / Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images
How qualified: Senegal only conceded three goals in their ten qualifiers, but still had to wait until the final matchday to ensure qualification with a 4-0 win over Mauritania. DR Congo were the main thorn in the Lions of Teranga's paw, and Senegal's comeback from 2 goals down to win 3-2 in their matchday 8 fixture was ultimately the difference.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Quarter-finals (2002)
World Cup Appearances: 2002, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Senegal's first FIFA World Cup match was against France in 2002. The French at the time were the highest FIFA-ranked team in the world, had won their last two major tournaments, the 1998 World Cup and 2000 Euros, but 68th-ranked Senegal won 1-0 in one of the biggest upsets of FIFA World Cup history.
South Africa
BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 09: South Africa players celebrate during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria at Toyota Stadium on September 09, 2025 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Charlé Lombard/Gallo Images/Getty Images) Credit: Gallo Images/Getty Images
How qualified: South Africa emerged from the the Group C, the 'group of death' in African qualifying, with a dramatic final matchday seeing Nigeria beat Benin, which allowed South Africa to take top spot with a 3-0 win over Rwanda.
South Africa would have had a less nervous qualification had they not fielded an ineligible player against Lesotho, turning a 2-0 win into a 3-0 loss by forfeit.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
World Cup Appearances: 1998, 2002, 2010
FIFA World Cup trivia: Despite not making it past the group stage in any of their appearances in World Cups, South Africa have a good record, only losing three games of nine, and only failing to qualify for the knockout rounds due to goal difference in 2010 and goals scored in 2002.
Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol (CONMEBOL) qualification
Argentina
Lionel Messi celebrates a goal with his Argentina teammates
How qualified: Argentina qualified comfortably atop the CONMEBOL standings, nine points clear of second-placed Ecuador with Lionel Messi the top scorer in the region with eight goals.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Champions (1978, 1986, 2022)
World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Lionel Messi has captained the team in 19 matches, and his total of 26 matches played is the most ever at the FIFA World Cup.
Brazil
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 24: Richarlison of Brazil scored one of the goals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 tournament in Qatar (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images) Credit: Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
How qualified: Brazil were one of four teams that qualified with 28 points in South American qualification, officially fifth in the standings after a stop-start campaign that saw head coach Carlo Ancelotti take over after Dorival was sacked following a 4-1 loss to Argentina in March.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1934, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Five Brazilians have won the World Cup Golden Boot Award as the top scorer at a FIFA World Cup tournament - Leônidas with 7 goals in 1938, Ademir with 9 goals in 1950, Garrincha and Vavá with 4 goals each in 1962, and Ronaldo with 8 goals in 2002.
Colombia
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JULY 6: James Rodriguez of Colombia scoring his penalty goal , during the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 4th Final Match between Colombia and Panama at State Farm Stadium on July 6, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) Credit: MB Media/Getty Images
How qualified: Colombia qualified third from the South American standings, finishing with a 6-3 win over Venezuela that forced them out of the play-off qualification spot and allowed Bolivia to progress.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Quarter-Finals (2014)
World Cup Appearances: 1962, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014, 2018
FIFA World Cup trivia: James Rodríguez is just the second player in FIFA World Cup history to score in the first five matches he played in, scoring six goals and winning the Golden Boot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Ecuador
Ecuador's Enner Valencia on the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers (Photo by MARCOS PIN / AFP) (Photo by MARCOS PIN/AFP via Getty Images) Source: AFP / MARCOS PIN/AFP via Getty Images
How qualified: Ecuador finished second in South American qualification, conceding just five goals across the 18 rounds of qualifying. They finished with a 1-0 win over defending world champions Argentina.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Round of 16 (2006)
World Cup Appearances: 2002, 2006, 2014, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Across the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, Enner Valencia scored six goals in a row without any other Colombian player scoring, until the streak was broken by Moises Caicedo in a 2-1 loss to Senegal.
Paraguay
ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - OCTOBER 15: Antonio Sanabria of Paraguay scores the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Paraguay and Venezuela (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images) Credit: Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images
How qualified: Paraguay were sixth in South American qualifying, one of four teams together on 28 points.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010
FIFA World Cup trivia: Paraguay's last match at the FIFA World Cup, a 1-0 loss to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals, saw three penalty kicks result in zero goals.
Uruguay
Uruguay's Facundo Pellistri and Brazil's Abner fight for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images) Source: AFP / NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images
How qualified: Uruguay were fourth in CONMEBOL qualification, one of four teams locked together on 28 points.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Champions (1930, 1950)
World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Uruguay have won four FIFA-organised World Football Championships, though only two were recognised as official World Cups by FIFA due to the 1924 and 1928 tournaments being organised in conjunction with the Olympic Committee.
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) qualification
European qualification will see 16 nations qualify directly to the FIFA World Cup 26™, an increase of three teams from previous years.
12 nations will qualify as winners of their groups in the initial stage, with the 12 runners-up from the groups, plus the four best-ranked teams in the Nations League standings (from the remaining teams), set to compete in single play-off matches for the remaining four FIFA World Cup spots.
England
How qualified: England made short work of qualifying from UEFA's Group K containing Albania, Andorra, Latvia and Serbia, with a 5-0 victory over Latvia sealing their spot in North America.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Winners (1966)
World Cup Appearances: 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022.
FIFA World Cup trivia: Peter Shilton holds two FIFA World Cup records, most clean sheets for a goalkeeper with 10 (shared with Fabien Barthez), and oldest captain in a FIFA World Cup match at 40 years and 292 days, at the 1990 tournament against Italy.
France
MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 17: Lucas Digne of France celebrates with teammates after Guglielmo Vicario of Italy scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Italy and France at San Siro on November 17, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Credit: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
How qualified: France were dominant in their group, winning five of their six matches, scoring 16 goals and conceding only four, with their only dropped points coming in a 2-2 draw away to Iceland. They qualified with a game to spare, dispatching closest rival Ukraine 4-0 at home.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Winners (1998, 2018)
World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Just Fontaine's incredible 13-goal haul at the 1958 FIFA World Cup remains untouched as the most goals in a single edition of the tournament.
Croatia
RIJEKA, CROATIA - NOVEMBER 14: Luka Modric of Croatia shoots whilst under pressure from Gunnar Vatnhamar of Faroe Islands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Croatia and Faroe Islands at HNK Rijeka Stadium on November 14, 2025 in Rijeka, Croatia. (Photo by Nel Pavletic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images) Credit: Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images
How qualified: Croatia handled their group handily, only drawing once against Czechia, with the rest of their matches victories.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Runners-up (2018)
World Cup Appearances: 1998, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Robert Prosinečki is the only player to have scored for two different countries at the World Cup, Yugoslavia in 1990 and Croatia in 1998.
Portugal
PORTO, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 13: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring the team's second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Portugal and Slovakia at Estadio do Dragao on October 13, 2023 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) Credit: Octavio Passos/Getty Images
How qualified: Portugal were in a tough group featuring Republic of Ireland, Hungary and Armenia, and will look back on a stoppage time goal for Ruben Neves at home to win 1-0 over Ireland as the key fixture in a close-fought campaign as they finished on top.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Third place (1966)
World Cup Appearances: 1966, 1986, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Cristiano Ronaldo is the only men's player to score in five different editions of the FIFA World Cup, scoring 7 goals over the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 & 2022 tournaments.
Norway
OSLO, NORWAY - SEPTEMBER 9: Erling Haaland of Norway and Nicolas Seiwald of Austria battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B3 match between Norway and Austria at the Ullevaal Stadion on September 9, 2024 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images) Credit: Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images
How qualified: Norway's 'golden generation' had to contend with four-time World Cup winners Italy in their group, but were imperious as they won all eight matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding five, signing off with a 4-1 win over Italy to take the group with six points gap over their rivals.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Round of 16 (1998)
World Cup Appearances: 1938, 1994, 1998
FIFA World Cup trivia: Norway were the only team eliminated from a group that saw all teams finish on 4 points in the 1994 World Cup. All four teams even had the same goal difference, and there was a best-placed third team rule, but Norway were the unlucky ones due to only scoring one goal.
Norway have already taken a mental edge over their World Cup bogey side in Italy. The Italians are the only team to beat Norway in a World Cup, knocking them out in 1938 and 1998, and also inflicting their only defeat in the above 1994 group stage.
Germany
SINSHEIM, GERMANY - OCTOBER 10: Joshua Kimmich of Germany celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates David Raum and Aleksandar Pavlovic during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Germany and Luxembourg at PreZero-Arena on October 10, 2025 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images) Credit: Pau Barrena/Getty Images
How qualified: Germany had one stumble in qualifying against Northern Ireland with a surprise loss, but won the rest of their fixtures, confirming their place in the World Cup with a 6-0 thumping of Slovakia.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Winners (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
World Cup Appearances: 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Two Germans have held the topscorer at FIFA World Cups title, Gerd Müller (1974-2006) and Miroslav Klose (2014-present).
The Netherlands
, LITHUANIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Quinten Timber of Holland celebrating 0-2 with Memphis Depay of Holland, Cody Gakpo of Holland, Tijjani Reijnders of Holland during the World Cup Qualifier match between Lithuania v Holland on September 7, 2025 (Photo by Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images) Credit: Soccrates Images/Getty Images
How qualified: The Netherlands had Poland in their group, who proved to be a formidable obstacle, holding Oranje to draws in their fixtures. However, a loss to Finland for Poland, coupled with a comfortable cushion on goal difference meant it wasn't too stressful a qualification for The Netherlands.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)
World Cup Appearances: 1934, 1938, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Johan Neeskens holds the record for the fastest World Cup Final goal, scoring a penalty after 90 seconds of play in the 1974 final. West Germany hadn't even touched the ball at this stage.
Neeskens has an Australian connection, he was assistant manager to Guus Hiddink during the Dutchman's tenure that included the 2006 World Cup.
Austria
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - NOVEMBER 18: Michael Gregoritsch of Austria celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Marcel Sabitzer (R) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina at on November 18, 2025 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images) Credit: Christian Hofer/Getty Images
How Qualified: A 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on the final day of qualifying saw Austria lock up top spot in Group H and a return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
Best World Cup Finals Performance: Third Place (1954)
World Cup Apperances: 1930, 1934, 1938, 1950, 1982, 1990, 1998
FIFA World Cup trivia: Austria's 7-5 win over Switzerland in the 1954 quarter-finals is the highest scoring World Cup match in history, with a total of 12 goals.
Scotland
PIRAEUS, GREECE - NOVEMBER 15: The Scotland team picture during a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match between Greece and Scotland at Georgios Karaiskakis Football Stadium, on November 15, 2025, in Piraeus, Greece. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images) Credit: Craig Williamson - SNS Group/SNS Group via Getty Images
How Qualified: Two sensational stoppage-time goals saw Scotland defeat Denmark 4-2 on the final day of qualifying to top Group C and book a World Cup spot for the first time since 1998.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group stage (1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998)
World Cup Appearances: 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998
FIFA World Cup trivia: Scotland are yet to progress past the group stages, with goal difference denying them a Round of 16 berth three times in a row at the 1974, 1978 and 1982 tournaments.
Belgium
LIEGE, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 18: Jeremy Doku of Belgium celebrates after scoring his teams second goal, Youri Tielemans of Belgium, Nicolas Raskin of Belgium prior to the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier match between Belgium and Liechtenstein at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on November 18, 2025 in Liege, Belgium. (Photo by Gabriel Calvino Alonso/BSR Agency/Getty Images) Credit: BSR Agency/Getty Images
How Qualified: Belgium secured their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a stunning 7-0 win over Liechtenstein, earning them the top spot in Group J.
Best World Cup Finals Performance: Third Place (2018)
World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Belgium's 2018 squad had the highest number of individual goalscorers from one nation in a World Cup, with 10 different players accounting for their 16 goals.
Romelu Lukaku (4) and Eden Hazard (3) were the only Belgians to score more than once.
Switzerland
PRISTINA, KOSOVO - NOVEMBER 18: Djibril Sow (15) of Switzerland in action during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group B sixth match between Kosovo and Switzerland, in Pristina, Kosovo, on November 18, 2025. (Photo by Erkin Keci /Anadolu via Getty Images) Source: Anadolu / Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images
How qualified: A 1-1 draw with Kosovo in their final match sealed an undefeated qualifying campaign for the Swiss, confirming a sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Quarter-Finals (1934, 1938, 1954)
World Cup Appearances: 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1994, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup trivia: Switzerland are the only nation in World Cup history to have been eliminated from the tournament without conceding a single goal, after losing to Ukraine on penalties in the 2006 Round of 16.
Spain
SEVILLE, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 18: Dani Olmo of Spain celebrates 1-0 with Fabian Ruiz of Spain, Yeremy Pino of Spain during the World Cup Qualifier match between Spain v Turkey at the Estadio La Cartuja on November 18, 2025 in Seville Spain (Photo by M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) Credit: Soccrates Images/Getty Images
How Qualified: After a 2-2 draw with Turkey, Spain matched Italy's 31-match unbeaten streak and solidified their position atop Group E. The No. 1 ranked FIFA squad are now geared up and ready to go for a strong showing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Winners (2010)
World Cup appearances: 1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
FIFA World Cup Trivia: Iniesta's iconic extra-time winner in the 116th minute of the 2010 final is the latest winning goal in the history of the World Cup Final.
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) qualification
With the expansion of teams qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 26™, the OFC got a direct qualification spot for the first time.
The qualification process saw the winner from four groups qualify to an elimination tournament, with the final winner getting the direct qualification spot, and the runner-up progressing to the Play-off Tournament.
New Zealand
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 21: Chris Wood of New Zealand heads the ball to score a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 OFC Qualifier Semi Final match between New Zealand All Whites and Fiji (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) Credit: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
How qualified: New Zealand beat New Caledonia 3-0 in the Final of Round 3 of qualification to obtain the only direct qualification in the OFC.
Best World Cup Finals performance: Group stage 1982, 2010
World Cup Appearances: 1982, 2010
FIFA World Cup trivia: New Zealand were the only team not to lose a match at the 2010 World Cup, recording three draws and not progressing out of their group.
Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)
In a change of format from previous FIFA World Cups, there was no dedicated host country slot, with the slots of automatically qualifying host countries now taken from the quota of its confederation.
That means that just three nations will directly qualify from CONCACAF aside from the hosts, with two nations to compete in the Play-off Tournament.
Nations competed in a three-stage process with the winners and runners-up from the second-stage groups to progress to the third-stage groups, where the winners qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Panama
SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR - OCTOBER 10: Players of Panama celebrate their victory over El Salvador during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between El Salvador and Panama at Cuscatlan Stadium on October 10, 2025 in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo by APHOTOGRAFIA/Getty Images) Credit: APHOTOGRAFIA/Getty Images
How qualified: A 3-0 win over El Salvador saw Panama snatch top spot in their group from Suriname on the final day of qualifying after the latter lost to Guatemala.
Best World Cup Performance: Group Stage (2018)
World Cup Appearances: 2018
FIFA World Cup Trivia: If Suriname and Jamaica are unsuccessful in the playoffs, Panama will be the only Central American nation to appear at the 2026 World Cup.
Haiti
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Haiti written on the back of a training top during the CONCACAF Gold Cup Group D match between United States and Haiti at AT&T Stadium on June 22, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) Credit: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
How Qualified: Les Grenadiers secured their passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup whilst playing all of their home games in a neutral setting. Their final 2-0 win over Nicaragua in the third round of qualifying allowed them to clinch top spot in their group and a ticket back to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.
Best World Cup Performance: Group Stage (1974)
World Cup Appearances: 1974
FIFA World Cup Trivia: Haiti's first-ever World Cup goal against Italy in 1974 is famous for being the first conceded by Italian keeper Dino Zoff in over a thousand minutes of international football.
It was one of only two goals scored by the Caribbean nation at the tournament, both from the boot of striker Emmanuel Sanon.
Curaçao
WILLEMSTAD - (back lr) Juninho Bacuna of Curacao, Jurien Gaari of Curacao, Joshua Brenet of Curacao, Rangelo Janga of Curacao, Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room, Brandley Kuwas of Curacao (front lr) Kenji Gorre of Curacao, Nathangelo Markelo of Curacao, Xander Severina of Curacao, Sherel Floranus of Curacao, Godfried Roemeratoe of Curacao during the World Cup qualifying Concacaf match between Curacao and Barbados at the Ergilio Hato stadium on June 5, 2024 (local time) in Willemstad, Curacao. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | GERRIT VAN COLOGNE (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) Source: Getty / ANP/ANP via Getty Images
Nickname: Blue Wave
How Qualified: Curaçao defied all odds in Kingston, where they secured a dramatic 0-0 draw against a strong Jamaican side to finish top of Group B and secure an inaugural FIFA World Cup berth.
Best World Cup Performance: n/a
World Cup Appearances: n/a
FIFA World Cup Trivia: With a tiny population of approximately 156,000, Curaçao is the smallest nation in history to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Every team to have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 26™ to date:
42 out of 48 teams: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Canada, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Curaçao, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, IR Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Mexico, Morocco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan.
Inter-confederation play-off tournament
For the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, a total of six countries - one from each of the five confederations aside from Europe, plus an additional one from CONCACAF as host confederation, will take part.
The play-offs will feature six teams, split into two brackets of three teams, with both bracket winners qualifying for the World Cup.
Each bracket will feature two unseeded teams facing each other in a semi-final, with the winner advancing to the play-off final against a seeded team.
Teams qualified for the inter-confederation play-off tournament
Bolivia (Finished seventh in CONMEBOL qualification)
New Caledonia (Finished runner-up in OFC qualification)
DR Congo (Won the CAF play-off between second-placed nations after group stage)
Slovakia, Kosovo, Denmark, Ukraine, Turkey, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy, Wales, Czech Republic (UEFA group stage runners-up)
Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland (Highest ranked UEFA Nations League teams that finished outside top two in World Cup qualifying groups)
FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw
The FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC on 5 December (6 December AEDT).
President of the United States and Chairman of the Kennedy Center, Donald J. Trump, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House will announce the draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ with team officials, ambassadors, fans representing the tournament’s Host Cities and global media representatives, amongst others, to unite for one of the significant milestones leading into the tournament.
42 of the 48 teams that will compete in Canada, Mexico and the United States will be known by the time the draw is made, with the final six spots to be decided via play-off matches in March, 2026.
Audiences in Australia can watch the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw live on SBS and SBS On Demand, with a replay of the event leading into the Australia Championship Final on 6 December.
In addition to all matches being livestreamed on SBS On Demand, you can catch with news, interviews and the build-up to the tournament on the SBS Sport FIFA World Cup 26™ Hub.
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