Which countries have qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 next year, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting the prestigious tournament.

It will be the first World Cup to be played under an expanded format of 48 teams.

Qualification for the world’s biggest sporting event is nearing completion as teams battle to secure their place in North America next summer.

The three host nations – Canada, Mexico and the US – were granted automatic qualification for the World Cup .

Cape Verde became the second smallest country ever to reach the top competition following Monday’s commanding 3-0 win over Eswatini .

From Asia, Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea and Uzbekistan have booked their spots.

New Zealand have taken the one direct qualification spot of Oceania.

Meanwhile, six of the nine automatic places from Africa have been filled.

Tunisia and Morocco became the first African sides to confirm their places for the World Cup finals, with three more joining them this week.

Egypt, Ghana and Algeria all sealed their spots following victories against Djibouti, Comoros and Somalia respectively.

From South America, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia have secured their tickets for the World Cup .

No European nations have booked their place, but two teams are likely to pull off this feat this week.

England will qualify if they beat Latvia, while Portugal can book their spot if they edge past Hungary in today’s home match.

Croatia are all but there, as they lead Czechia by three points with two matches remaining.

Host nations: Canada, Mexico, United States

Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan

Africa: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde

Oceania: New Zealand

South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay