The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be the biggest in history with 48 teams is officially on.
Co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19.
With qualifying still underway across continents, 20 nations have already booked their tickets. The three host nations, the US, Mexico, and Canada are automatic entrants.
From South America, traditional powerhouses Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay have all secured their spots, while Bolivia will fight for one of two remaining places through intercontinental playoffs.
Africa has seen five of its nine automatic slots filled by Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia, marking another strong continental showing.
Over in Asia, six teams Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan are in, with two more spots still open. Meanwhile, Oceania’s New Zealand sealed its direct qualification after cruising past New Caledonia in March.
Europe remains the major battleground, with no teams confirmed yet, as giants like England, France, and Spain lead their groups.
The remaining berths will be decided through continental qualifiers and intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026 just months before football’s grandest show begins.