World Cup 2026 Qualification: Who’s in, how they got there

SHAH ALAM - With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, 29 of the 48 tournament slots have already been filled, including the co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States (US).

From dramatic qualifications in Africa to historic first-time entries in Asia and Oceania, here is a breakdown of which countries have secured their place at next year’s global football festival and how they did it.

Africa: Historic Qualifiers and Playoff Drama

Africa has filled all nine of its automatic places through group winners, while four of the best runners-up: DR Congo, Gabon, Cameroon and Nigeria, will contest playoffs in Morocco this November.

The ultimate winner will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.

Egypt: Mohamed Salah scored twice as Egypt beat Djibouti 3-0 on Oct 23 in Casablanca. This marks Egypt’s fourth World Cup finals, despite never winning a match there. Historically, they even qualified for the first World Cup in 1930 but missed the voyage to South America due to a storm.

Morocco: Qatar 2022 semi-finalists Morocco qualified early after defeating Niger 5-0 on Sept 5 in Rabat. The Atlas Lions have reached six World Cups and will co-host the 2030 edition alongside Portugal and Spain.

Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles qualified with two matches to spare in Group H, thanks to Mohamed Ben Romdhane’s last-minute goal and goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen’s heroics against Equatorial Guinea. Tunisia will make their seventh finals appearance but have yet to advance past the group stage.

Algeria: Vladimir Petkovic’s side secured qualification with a 3-0 win over Somalia on Oct 23, with Mohamed Amoura scoring twice and captain Riyad Mahrez adding another. It is Algeria’s fifth World Cup appearance and first since 2014.

Ghana: Mohamed Kudus’ goal against Comoros sealed qualification for the Black Stars on Sunday, Oct 19, aided by Madagascar’s 4-1 loss to Mali.

Cape Verde: Making their World Cup debut, Cape Verde topped Group D after a 3-0 home win over Eswatini. The island nation will be the second-smallest by population to compete, after Iceland in 2018.

South Africa: Overcoming a three-point deduction, South Africa qualified by beating Rwanda 3-0 on Oct 21. This marks their first finals since hosting in 2010.

Senegal: The Lions of Teranga finished top of Group B with a 4-0 win over Mauritania, with Sadio Mane scoring twice.

Ivory Coast: The reigning African champions defeated Kenya 3-0 to qualify, with Manchester United’s Amad Diallo scoring once and assisting another.

Asia: Emerging Teams and Veteran Contenders

Eight Asian nations qualified directly, with Iraq and UAE heading to a two-legged regional playoff in November for a shot at the intercontinental playoffs.

Australia: Secured qualification in June with a 2-1 comeback victory over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, marking their sixth consecutive World Cup.

Iran: Drew 2-2 with Uzbekistan on March 25, ensuring a place in the finals. Mehdi Taremi scored both goals.

Japan: Qualified early, with a 2-0 win over Bahrain in Saitama, making it their eighth consecutive World Cup.

Jordan: Qualified for the first time after a 3-0 win over Oman on June 5, with Ali Olwan scoring a hat-trick. King Abdullah II was pictured watching the match from London.

South Korea: Secured their 11th straight finals appearance on June 5 with a win over Iraq. Captain Son Heung-min, nearing 34, has indicated this will likely be his final tournament.

Uzbekistan: Reached the finals for the first time with a 0-0 draw against the UAE in Abu Dhabi. Key players include Abdukodir Khusanov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

Qatar: Beat UAE 2-1 to make their second consecutive finals appearance.

Saudi Arabia: Qualified after a 0-0 draw with Iraq in Jeddah, winning Group B on goals scored.

Europe: Heavyweights Secure Their Spots

The European qualification process involves 54 nations (excluding suspended Russia). 12 group winners qualify automatically, with playoffs offering four more spots.

England: Became the first European nation to qualify with a 5-0 win over Latvia in Riga, topping Group K with 20 goals scored and none conceded.

France: Captain Kylian Mbappe’s brace helped France to a 4-0 win over Ukraine, marking their eighth consecutive finals appearance.

Americas: South and North Qualification Highlights

Argentina: Confirmed qualification on March 25 after Bolivia drew 0-0 with Uruguay. Captain Lionel Messi has hinted at uncertainty over his participation.

“Well, it is like I have said before. I do not think I will play the next World Cup, not because of age, but the most logical thing is that I will not. When I feel good, I enjoy it. When I do not, honestly, I suffer and I would rather not be there. So we will see,” he said.

Ecuador: Secured a spot on June 10 after a goalless draw with Peru in Lima.

Colombia: Returned after missing Qatar 2022, beating Bolivia 3-0 on Sept 4, led by James Rodriguez.

Uruguay: Marcelo Bielsa’s team qualified with a 3-0 victory over Peru on Sept 4.

Brazil: Defeated Paraguay 1-0 on June 10, finishing fifth in the South American standings.

“I think more tactical work is needed to refine game strategy. All of this can be very important, but the most important part is not the strategy, it is the attitude of the players on the pitch. It does not take much time to prepare,” Manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

Paraguay: Qualified for the first time since 2010 after a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Sept 4.

North America: Co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the US automatically qualify. Jamaica leads Group B under Steve McClaren.

Oceania: New Zealand Dominates

New Zealand: Secured qualification for the first time in 16 years by defeating New Caledonia 3-0 at Eden Park. Michael Boxall scored his first international goal at age 36.

As of now, 29 nations have sealed their places for the 2026 World Cup.

With intercontinental playoffs and remaining qualifiers pending, the global football community eagerly anticipates the mix of historic first-timers, returning giants and emerging talents that will define next year’s tournament.