Which teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup? Complete list of nations heading to the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
We provide a breakdown of all the confirmed teams for the 2026 World Cup, along with those that could soon secure their spot.
For the first time in history, the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, as FIFA expands the tournament beyond the 32-team format used since 1998. This expansion means more nations than ever will compete in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in what promises to be a landmark event.
UEFA has been allocated 16 spots, while CAF will have nine and AFC eight. CONMEBOL and CONCACAF are each guaranteed at least six places, while OFC will have a secured slot for the first time. The final two spots will be determined through intercontinental playoffs.
Here, we bring you the full list of teams that have secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Canada
Qualification Date: February 14, 2023
Qualified As: Hosts
Last Appearance: 2022
Canada will make their third-ever appearance at the men’s World Cup, securing a spot as one of the co-hosts of the 2026 tournament. This will also mark their second consecutive participation, following their campaign in Qatar 2022.
With talents like Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustaquio, and Jonathan David in their squad, Canada will aim to create history on home soil by advancing beyond the group stage.
Mexico
Qualification Date: February 14, 2023
Qualified As: Hosts
Last Appearance: 2022
Mexico will host the World Cup for the third time in 2026, having previously staged the tournament in 1970 and 1986.
El Tri are no strangers to the global stage, as this will mark their 18th World Cup appearance. However, they have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals and will be determined to defy expectations with a strong push for glory.
United States
Qualification Date: February 14, 2023
Qualified As: Hosts
Last Appearance: 2022
As co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, the United States men’s national team (USMNT) has secured automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This will mark their 12th appearance in the tournament, and supporters will be eager to see them advance deeper into the knockout rounds.
With talents like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams in their squad, the USMNT will quietly back themselves to compete with the world’s top teams.
Japan
Qualification Date: March 20, 2025
Qualified Through: AFC Third Round
Last Appearance: 2022
Japan has secured a spot in their seventh consecutive World Cup after finishing among the top two teams in their AFC third-round qualifying group.
Led by talents such as Takefusa Kubo, Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Ritsu Doan, the Samurai Blue will be determined to break past the round of 16 for the first time in their history.
Who could qualify next?
Here is an overview of the regional qualification campaigns and the teams nearing World Cup 2026 qualification.
AFC (Asia)
Iran and South Korea are leading their respective groups and are well-positioned to become the next Asian teams to secure qualification in the March 2025 window. Iraq and Uzbekistan also have a chance to qualify, depending on favorable results.
CAF (Africa)
No African teams will officially qualify during the March international window, but the race is taking shape. Powerhouses like Egypt, Morocco, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Tunisia are strong contenders. However, Nigeria is struggling, remaining winless after four matches.
CONCACAF (North & Central America, Caribbean)
With the United States, Canada, and Mexico already qualified as hosts, the CONCACAF qualification process looks different. No teams will secure qualification in this window, but Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Honduras are expected to be among the challengers.
CONMEBOL (South America)
Argentina currently leads the South American qualifiers and could confirm their spot in the tournament during the March window. Uruguay is also in a strong position and may secure qualification soon.
OFC (Oceania)
For the first time, the Oceania region has a guaranteed World Cup spot. The decisive moment will come in March, when New Zealand faces Fiji and New Caledonia takes on Tahiti in the semi-finals. The winners will compete in a final on March 24, with the victor earning direct qualification.
UEFA (Europe)
No European teams will qualify in March, as the UEFA qualification process is still in its early stages.
