A growing list of nations has secured early qualification for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the global reach of the tournament which will feature 48 teams.
Thirteen countries have already punched their tickets to the 23rd edition of the global football spectacle. This includes the three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, who automatically qualify.
European powerhouses France and England are among the earliest teams to confirm their participation. Reigning champions Argentina have also secured a spot, marking their 19th World Cup appearance.
The tournament’s expansion to 48 teams is already fostering diversity among qualifiers. Jordan and Uzbekistan are set to make their debut appearances on football’s biggest stage.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
North America’s automatic qualifiers see Canada making its third appearance, the United States its 12th, and Mexico its 18th.
In Asia, a total of six teams have qualified. These include Australia, South Korea, Iran, Japan, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
Australia, an Oceania nation, competes through the Asian qualification process. This marks their seventh appearance.
New Zealand represents the Oceania confederation, making their third World Cup presence.
This early wave of qualifications signals the start of a competitive buildup to the enlarged tournament. The remaining spots will be filled through ongoing qualification campaigns worldwide.