FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: South Korea, Jordan, Uzbekistan Among Latest Teams to Seal Berths
Newcomers Make History as Qualifying Intensifies Ahead of the 48-Team Tournament
The journey to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is gaining momentum, with several nations now securing their tickets to the biggest football event in the world. Set to begin on June 11, 2026, and conclude on July 19, the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This edition will mark a major shift, featuring 48 teams for the first time—an expansion from the 32-team format used since 1998.
Teams That Have Officially Qualified So Far
With host nations receiving automatic entry, and continental qualifiers advancing, the following countries are confirmed participants:
- United States – Host nation
- Canada – Host nation
- Mexico – Host nation
- Argentina – Through South American (CONMEBOL) qualifiers
- Japan – Qualified through Asia (AFC) third round
- South Korea – Qualified through AFC third round
- Iran – Qualified through AFC third round
- Jordan – First-ever qualification via AFC third round
- Uzbekistan – Also making World Cup debut through AFC third round
- New Zealand – Qualified as Oceania champions
Historic Firsts for Jordan and Uzbekistan
For both Jordan and Uzbekistan, the 2026 tournament will mark their first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage. Uzbekistan booked their place following a goalless draw against the UAE, which was enough to push them through. Jordan, meanwhile, advanced through strong performances in the AFC third round.
South Korea, a regular on the world stage, confirmed their spot once again with a 2-0 win over Iraq, showcasing their consistency in Asian football.
Continental Allocation: How the 48 Spots Are Divided
FIFA’s new format increases representation across all continents. Here’s how the spots are distributed:
- Europe (UEFA) – 16 spots
- Africa (CAF) – 9 spots
- Asia (AFC) – 8 spots
- South America (CONMEBOL) – 6 spots
- North and Central America (CONCACAF) – 6 spots
- Oceania (OFC) – 1 direct spot for the first time
- Intercontinental Playoffs – 2 additional spots will be contested
What’s Happening in Europe?
European qualifiers are still in early stages, but powerhouses like Spain, Germany, France, and England are widely expected to qualify. Spain, fresh off a Euro 2024 title, enters the cycle with momentum and rising stars. Germany and France remain strong contenders, while England embarks on a new era under head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Italy, after missing the last two World Cups, are under pressure to return to the tournament. With Luciano Spalletti at the helm, the team is determined to avoid another painful absence.
Teams on the Bubble: Who Needs to Prove Themselves?
Several European teams find themselves at a crossroads. Croatia, Belgium, Austria, and Denmark are all coming off disappointing Euro campaigns and need strong qualifying runs. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, will aim to break into the World Cup scene, while Serbia, Poland, and Hungary remain in contention through playoffs and strong group performance.
