World Cup 2026 qualifying is underway and several other groups – together with holders Argentina – have already booked their place on the expanded match.
The 2026 World Cup takes place throughout three host nations – USA, Canada and Mexico – from June 11 to July 19. Will probably be the most important but, with 48 nations participating – 16 greater than in Qatar 2022.
The three host nations qualify routinely, whereas nations from the confederations of UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), CONCACAF (North/Central America and Caribbean), AFC (Asia), OFC (Oceania) and CAF (Africa) stage their very own qualifying campaigns.
UEFA is assured 16 slots on the match. Twelve group winners will progress straight from the qualifying stage, with Thomas Tuchel’s England aiming to prime Group Ok. Sixteen groups – 12 group runners-up and 4 additional groups primarily based on their Nations League rating – will enter 4 play-off paths, with every offering an extra spot on the finals.
Outdoors of Europe, CAF will get 9 spots on the World Cup and AFC has eight. There will likely be a minimal of six every from CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, whereas OFC has one assured slot for the primary time.
Two closing slots will likely be crammed by means of an inter-confederation play-off. A match involving six groups will happen in March 2026: one workforce per confederation aside from UEFA, plus one further workforce from the confederation of the host nations.
Hold monitor under of who has reached the showpiece match.
Who has certified for the 2026 World Cup?
Host nations
Asia
- Australia
- Iran
- Japan
- Jordan
- South Korea
- Uzbekistan
Oceania
South America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Ecuador
- Colombia
- Paraguay
Africa
Europe
To be confirmed
When is the 2026 World Cup draw?
US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy on the Oval Workplace of the White Home
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will happen in Washington on December 5.
President Trump will be a part of FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the John F Kennedy Middle – a performing arts venue the place Trump is chairman – to determine the group stage fixtures.
Asserting the draw venue on the White Home in August, Trump mentioned the World Cup was “the biggest event in sports”, whereas Infantino declared the 104 matches can be like “104 Super Bowls”.
The draw will happen from 12pm native time (5pm UK time).
World Cup 2026 match schedule
The total fixture listing with group video games and kick-off occasions will likely be obtainable after the draw however FIFA has already introduced key dates and confirmed that the opening match will likely be held in Mexico Metropolis.
The ultimate will happen on the New York New Jersey Stadium – residence of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
Group stage: June 11-27
Spherical of 32: June 28 to July 3
Spherical of 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July 11th of September
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Third-place play-off (‘Bronze closing’): July 18
Last: July 19
