List of 13 Countries That Have Qualified for 2026 World Cup So Far

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The upcoming 2026 World Cup will mark the first edition in history to feature 48 teams, replacing the 32-team format used for many years before that. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The qualification is underway, and 13 countries thus far have secured their spots for the final tournament. Among the latest to advance are Brazil and Ecuador from Latin America, and Australia, as the sixth team to qualify from Asia.

List of Countries Advancing to the 2026 World Cup 

1. United States

As one of the hosts, the United States secures a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup, marking their 12th appearance in the tournament. Their best finish was third place during an inaugural edition in 1930, but the squad has seen improvements over the recent years. 

2. Canada

Canada also qualifies as a host. This will be their third appearance in the World Cup after 1986 and 2022. In their previous two appearances, they were knocked out in the group stage. However, they have shown significant progress with a squad led by Alphonso Davies and Stephen Eustáquio.

3. Mexico

Mexico also secures their spot as a host. As a traditional footballing nation in the CONCACAF Zone, they have extensive World Cup experience. This will mark their 18th appearance since their debut in 1930. They have reached the quarter-finals twice, in the 1970 and 1986 editions.

4. Japan

Japan becomes one of the first Asian representatives to secure a spot after finishing on top of Group B standings on March 20, 2025. This will mark their seventh consecutive appearance in the World Cup, with their best achievement being the round of 16 in the last four editions. Japan hammered Indonesia during their final match on Tuesday with a 6-0 finish. 

5. New Zealand

New Zealand secures a direct ticket from the OFC (Oceania) Zone after a convincing 3-0 victory over New Caledonia in the OFC qualifiers final on March 24, 2025. This will be their second appearance since the 2010 World Cup.

6. Iran

Iran qualifies from the AFC Qualifiers as the group champions. This will be their seventh appearance, and despite having never progressed past group stage, the presence of Amir Abedzadeh and Mehdi Taremi brings renewed optimism.

7. Argentina

The Argentine national team secures their spot as the defending champions after dominating the CONMEBOL qualifiers on March 25, 2025. This will mark Albiceleste's 19th appearance in the World Cup, with a record three-time championship (1978, 1986, and 2022).

8. South Korea

South Korea secures their place after a 2-0 victory over Iraq on June 5, 2025, in the AFC qualifiers. This will mark their 12th appearance, with their best achievement being a semi-final in the 2002 edition co-hosted with Japan.

9. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan creates history by qualifying for the first time after a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates on June 5, 2025. This is a significant moment for Central Asian football as Uzbekistan becomes a new entrant to the World Cup stage.

10. Jordan

Jordan also makes history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time after a 3-0 victory over Oman on June 5, 2025. Similar to Uzbekistan, Jordan sees this tournament as their debut on the world stage.

11. Australia

Australia secures their spot through the AFC qualifiers as one of the top two teams in Group C. This will mark their seventh appearance overall, with their best achievement being reaching the round of 16 in 2006. The Socceroos remain a strong force in Asia and are expected to perform better in the upcoming tournament.

12. Brazil

Brazil secures their place in the 2026 World Cup after finishing in the top six of the CONMEBOL qualifiers on June 10, 2025. This will mark Selecao's 23rd appearance, the most in World Cup history. Despite being in a transitional phase following Neymar's era, the five-time world champions Brazil remain one of the favorites.

13. Ecuador

Ecuador becomes the third representative from South America to qualify after finishing in the top six of the CONMEBOL qualifiers on June 10, 2025. This will mark their fifth appearance, with their best achievement being a one-time entrance to the round of 16.

Allocation for Each Continent in the 2026 World Cup

The new format of the 2026 World Cup increases the number of participants to 48 teams. The slot allocation is as follows:

• UEFA (Europe): 16 teams
• CAF (Africa): 9 teams
• AFC (Asia): 8 teams
• CONMEBOL (South America): 6 teams
• CONCACAF (North America/Central America/Caribbean): 6 teams (including 3 hosts)
• OFC (Oceania): 1 team
• Intercontinental Playoff: 2 additional teams (each zone will send one representative, except Europe).

Editor’s Choice: Final Standings of Group C 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Indonesia Finishes Fourth

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