World Cup qualifying is entering its decisive phase, with the last remaining places for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to be settled over the next two weeks.
So far, 28 teams have secured qualification, including three debutants; Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Cape Verde marking a historic milestone for the expanded 48-team finals.
England, under Thomas Tuchel, are the only European side confirmed so far, having dominated their group with heavy wins over Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. The other 11 European group winners will be determined in the coming days, with remaining play-offs and intercontinental play-offs to follow in March even though the official World Cup draw takes place on December 5.
Europe (16 qualifying spots)
Qualified: England
- Group A: Germany and Slovakia are level on points, with Germany ahead on goal difference. Northern Ireland remain outside contenders.
- Group B: Switzerland lead Kosovo by three points and host Sweden next; Sweden need back-to-back wins to stay in contention.
- Group C: Scotland can qualify for their first World Cup since 1998 by avoiding defeat to Greece and beating Denmark. Denmark, strong on goal difference, remain favorites.
- Group D: France can secure qualification by beating Ukraine in Paris.
- Group E: Spain are close to sealing qualification with a win over Georgia; Turkey must win both remaining games to stay alive.
- Group F: Portugal will qualify with a win in Dublin over Ireland; Hungary are chasing a play-off place.
- Group G: The Netherlands can confirm their spot by avoiding defeat to Poland.
- Group H: Austria lead Bosnia and Herzegovina by two points; their final meeting could decide the group.
- Group I: Norway, powered by Erling Haaland’s 12 goals, lead Italy by three points ahead of a decisive match in Milan.
- Group J: Belgium are favorites to qualify after beating Wales; North Macedonia and Wales battle for a play-off berth.
- Group K: England have already advanced; Serbia and Albania contest the remaining play-off position.
- Group L: Croatia can qualify by beating the Faroe Islands, while the Czechs and Faroes fight for second.
Americas (6 qualifying spots + 2 intercontinental play-offs)
Qualified: USA, Canada, Mexico (as hosts)
- Group A: Suriname, Panama, Guatemala, and El Salvador are separated by just three points. Suriname lead on goal difference.
- Group B: Jamaica, led by Steve McClaren, are two wins away from a first World Cup since 1998.
- Group C: Honduras top Costa Rica by two points, with their final match likely to decide qualification.
Africa (9 spots + 1 intercontinental play-off)
Qualified: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast.
Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo are in play-off contention, with the winner of those matches advancing to the intercontinental play-offs.
Asia (8 spots + 1 intercontinental play-off)
Qualified: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar.
UAE and Iraq will meet to decide Asia’s representative in the intercontinental play-offs.
South America (6 spots + 1 intercontinental play-off)
Qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay.
Bolivia will enter the intercontinental play-offs.
Oceania (1 spot + 1 intercontinental play-off)
Qualified: New Zealand.
New Caledonia have earned a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
As the final qualifiers conclude, several traditional powers — including Italy, Nigeria, and the Netherlands — are still battling to secure their tickets to North America, while new names like Jordan and Cape Verde prepare for their first-ever World Cup appearances.
