The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on October 12, 2023, with Myanmar’s Lwin Moe Aung scoring the first goal in a 5-1 win over Macau in the Asian qualifiers. Since then, the road to the tournament has been unfolding across the globe, with only a handful of teams securing their spots so far.
As of now, Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina have punched their tickets to the World Cup. Japan became the first to qualify on March 20, followed by New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina shortly after. However, with 45 spots available, the battle for qualification is far from over.
Europe (UEFA)
Europe’s qualifying campaign began on March 21, with 54 teams competing (Russia remains suspended). Twelve group winners will qualify directly, while the 12 runners-up will enter a playoff system alongside four top-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who fail to finish in the top two. The playoff will feature 16 teams in four separate paths, with one-legged semifinals and finals determining the last four European spots.
South America (CONMEBOL)
CONMEBOL’s traditional round-robin format sees 10 nations playing home and away matches. The top six will qualify directly, while the seventh-placed team will enter the inter-confederation playoffs. Argentina are the only team to have confirmed their spot so far.
North America, Central America, and Caribbean (Concacaf)
With co-hosts United States, Mexico, and Canada automatically qualified, Concacaf has three direct slots left. After two qualifying rounds, the final 12 teams will be drawn into three groups of four, with the winners qualifying. The two best runners-up will head to the inter-confederation playoffs.
Africa (CAF)
Africa’s qualification features nine groups, with the winners advancing to the World Cup. The four best runners-up will face off in playoffs for a single inter-confederation playoff spot.
Asia (AFC)
Japan and Iran have already qualified. The top two teams from each of the three final groups will advance. The remaining teams will go through two more rounds for one inter-confederation playoff place.
Oceania (OFC)
New Zealand secured the lone automatic spot by defeating New Caledonia in the final. New Caledonia will enter the inter-confederation playoffs.
Inter-Confederation Playoffs
Six teams — one from each confederation (except UEFA) and an additional Concacaf team — will compete for the final two World Cup spots in March 2026.
The road to 2026 is heating up, with plenty of drama yet to unfold.