- Three teams have already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place next year
- In a historic first, the tournament will be jointly hosted by three nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico
- 35 spots are still up for grabs after 13 national teams secured their qualifications for next year’s tournament
In this piece, we take a closer look at the full list of qualified team for the FIFA World Cup 2026. There are approximately 299 days remaining until the tournament begins in Canada, USA, and Mexico.
Argentina, led by La Pulga, Lionel Messi, are the reigning champions as La Albiceleste aims to defend their crown in what could be final major tourmament for arguably, the finest footballer the gas has ever had.
Source: Getty Images
1. United States
The United States is preparing for its return to the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host for the second time, having first hosted in 1994.
Led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the squad features a promising generation of talent including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna.
2. Canada
After a long absence from the global tournament, the Canadian men’s national team returned in 2022, though they exited in the group stage after losses to Morocco, Croatia, and Belgium.
Now, as a co-host of the 2026 edition, according to FIFA World Cup Updates, Canada is looking to turn potential into performance.
3. Mexico
Mexico, one of the most consistent and passionate football nations, will also host matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As co-hosts, Mexico will look to harness home advantage and once again assert its strength on the world stage.
4. Japan
According to Reuters, Japan secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as winners of AFC Third Round Group C on 20 March 2025. This marks their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, having consistently qualified since 1998. Their best showings include reaching the Round of 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand punched their World Cup ticket by winning the OFC Third Round on 24 March 2025. This will be their third overall appearance and their first since 2010.
Their qualification marks a comeback for Oceania’s leading side, showcasing growth in New Zealand soccer beneath an exciting new generation of talent.
6. Iran
Iran earned qualification as winners of AFC Third Round Group A on 25 March 2025. This will be their seventh World Cup appearance and their fourth consecutive appearance since 2014. Iran has proven themselves to be a solid, hard-to-beat team, especially in tight matches.
7. Argentina
Argentina booked their place in 2026 by finishing top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table on 25 March 2025. It will be their 19th World Cup appearance, and 14th in a row, underscoring their status as one of football’s most enduring powers.
With three titles already (1978, 1986, and 2022), the Albiceleste continue to exude pedigree and purpose, blending legendary status with continuous global impact.
8. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan qualified as runners-up of AFC Third Round Group A on 5 June 2025, marking their debut World Cup appearance. This historical milestone reflects impressive growth in Central Asian football.
9. South Korea
South Korea secured their place by winning AFC Third Round Group B on 5 June 2025. It’ll be their 12th World Cup and their 11th straight since 1986. South Korea is known for their energetic, pressing style and remarkable consistency on the world stage.
10. Jordan
Jordan earned World Cup qualification as runners-up in AFC Third Round Group B on 5 June 2025, achieving their first-ever berth in the tournament.
This signifies a landmark achievement for Jordanian football, reflecting years of development and ambition. They’ll enter the global spotlight for the first time, intent on proving their mettle on the world stage.
11. Australia
Australia booked their place by finishing as runners-up in AFC Third Round Group C on 10 June 2025. It will be their seventh World Cup appearance and sixth consecutive since 2006.
12. Brazil
Brazil sealed qualification by finishing in the top six of CONMEBOL qualifiers on 10 June 2025. They will maintain their perfect record, not missing a single World Cup, marking their 23rd appearance.
As five-time champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), Brazil bring flair, depth, and unmatched trophy pedigree to the competition. They remain one of the tournament favorites.
Source: Getty Images
13. Ecuador
Ecuador also qualified via the CONMEBOL Top‑Six on 10 June 2025, making this their fifth World Cup appearance and second consecutive since 2022. Their previous best was reaching the Round of 16 in 2006.
In the qualifiers, Ecuador impressed with 7 wins, 7 draws, and just 2 losses, scoring 13 and conceding only 5—best defensive record in the group. Their dramatic 3‑2 win over Bolivia sealed the spot, ending an absence since 2014.
Ghana’s World Cup chances
YEN.com.gh earlier reported the full list of qualified teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how the Black Stars of Ghana could make it.
Otto Addo’s men are curretly leading the qualifying Group I with 15 points collected from their six matches.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
