The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest competition to date, with 48 nations taking part. 28 teams have already booked their ticket to the finals.
Host Nations
USA, Mexico, Canada
The three hosts are automatically through. None have reached a semi-final in 70 years – Canada haven’t even earned a point in two appearances – but all three have improved massively. With home advantage and stronger squads than ever, they’ll fancy making history on their own turf.
Europe (UEFA)
England
The first European side to qualify – six wins, 18 goals scored, none conceded. Thomas Tuchel’s side will arrive among the favourites.
South America (CONMEBOL)
Argentina
The holders are back to defend their crown. This is likely to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, and Argentina will once again be one of the toughest sides to beat.
Brazil
A fifth-place finish in qualifying wasn’t what fans expected, but with Carlo Ancelotti joining in the summer, the five-time winners remain dangerous.
Colombia
Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez lead a Colombia side that’s enjoying a strong run of results. They could surprise a few again.
Uruguay
The Forlán and Suárez era may be over, but Marcelo Bielsa’s team look sharp, energetic and technically solid, especially in midfield.
Ecuador
Second in South American qualifying with just two defeats, Ecuador are enjoying the emergence of a golden generation, with Moises Caicedo, William Pacho and Pervis Estupiñán all playing for Europe’s elite clubs.
Paraguay
Their first World Cup since 2010 after three failed attempts. Miguel Almirón is the biggest name, but expect to see a well-drilled and passionate squad
Africa (CAF)
Algeria
Top of Group G with eight wins and 24 goals scored. Mo Amoura was their standout, netting ten.
Egypt
Unbeaten in their group. Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush lead the charge, but can they finally break through to the knockouts?
Ivory Coast
The AFCON champions return after missing the last two tournaments. Unbeaten, confident and dangerous.
Morocco
The 2022 semi-finalists are back. After beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal last time, nobody will underestimate them now.
Senegal
Packed with talent across the squad – Mané, Jackson, Sarr, Koulibaly, Gueye, Mendy. Having beaten England in June, Senegal look ready to compete again.
South Africa
Topped a group featuring Nigeria and Benin by a single point. AFCON runners-up in 2023, and aiming to recapture the 2010 buzz.
Ghana
Back on track after a tough few years. Kudus, Williams and Semenyo give them serious firepower.
Tunisia
Solid defensively but lacking cutting edge in 2022 – they’ll want to go one better this time.
Cape Verde
A true fairytale. With fewer than half a million people, Cape Verde stunned Cameroon to qualify for the first time.
Asia (AFC)
Iran
Four straight qualifications, top of their group with just one defeat. Still chasing that elusive knockout round.
Uzbekistan
A debut World Cup for the Central Asian side, led by Fabio Cannavaro. Finished just two points behind Iran.
Japan
Cruised through qualifying with 30 goals in ten games and even beat Brazil in a friendly. Asia’s biggest threat.
South Korea
Eleven consecutive World Cups – their consistency is unmatched in Asia. The 2002 semi-finalists are back once again.
Saudi Arabia
The only team to beat Argentina in 2022 squeezed through again, edging Iraq on goals scored.
Qatar
The 2022 hosts return after beating the UAE to qualify. Redemption is the aim after going winless last time.
Jordan
Their first-ever World Cup. Edged Iraq by a single point, with Mousa Tamari the standout name.
Oceania (OFC)
New Zealand
Still searching for their first win at a World Cup, but the expanded format could finally give them a chance.
Australia
Back again and improving. Twice they’ve made the knockouts – including 2022 – and this squad looks stronger.
With 28 nations confirmed, 20 spots remain up for grabs. Who’ll join them next?
