A total of 33 countries across six continents have officially qualified for the 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, the latest figures show following Thursday’s matches.
The host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—automatically secured spots in the tournament, set to be jointly held across North America.
Africa has nine confirmed representatives: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. Nigeria and DR Congo are currently contesting the continental playoffs, with the winner advancing to the six-team intercontinental qualifying round in Mexico to compete for one of the final two World Cup slots.
From Asia, Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan have already booked their tickets. Europe has so far confirmed England and France, while Oceania is represented by New Zealand. South America has seven qualifiers: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The Africa playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo is set for Sunday in Morocco. DR Congo reached the final after a 1-0 win over Cameroon at Stade El Barid in Rabat, while Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, also in Rabat.
The intercontinental playoff, scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, will determine the final two countries to join the global tournament. The expanded 48-team format provides more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
