2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - FIFA - PRELIMINARY STAGE - TEAMS TO SECURE THEIR PLACE AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP

England became the first European team to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.

A total of 28 teams have now qualified, including World Cup debutants Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan.

There remain 20 spots still to be claimed, with the majority of those coming from Europe.

Portugal came within minutes of joining England in qualifying on Tuesday night, but a last-minute equaliser by Hungary means they will have to wait a little longer.

Croatia are all but there, sitting three points above the Czech Republic with a far superior goal difference.

Joint-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States were all granted automatic qualification for the World Cup.

Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already qualified from Asia.

Oceania's one direct qualification spot has been taken by New Zealand.

Tunisia and Morocco were the first two African sides to go through, and they have now been joined by Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and South Africa - who will play in their first World Cup since 2010.

Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia are the South American nations currently guaranteed a place.

Uzbekistan and Jordan will also be playing at a World Cup finals for the first time.
While they have not qualified for the tournament in full, Bolivia and New Caledonia are two of the six nations confirmed to take part in the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026.

Teams through to 2026 World Cup
Hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States.

Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan.
Europe: England.
Oceania: New Zealand.
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.