The FIFA World Cup qualifiers are intensifying, with numerous teams vying for a place in the 2026 tournament, set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Currently, 28 teams have already secured their spots, leaving 20 places still up for grabs. Starting on November 14, a series of qualifying matches will unfold, with an aim to finalize 14 additional teams by November 19.
This year’s tournament marks a significant expansion, featuring 48 teams for the first time. While some smaller nations have celebrated their historic qualifications, high-profile teams and past champions are still fighting to secure their berths.
Upcoming Matches and Key Highlights
Australia has already qualified, marking a major achievement after defeating Japan for the first time in 16 years and overcoming Saudi Arabia in June. All nine teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that will participate in the World Cup are now confirmed. Notably, both Uzbekistan and Jordan will make their first appearances in the tournament’s history.
As hosts, Canada, Mexico, and the United States automatically qualify, bypassing the qualification process. In South America, giants such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay have also secured their spots. Additionally, New Zealand will return to the World Cup after last competing in 2010, having qualified through the Oceania Football Confederation.
In Africa, nine teams have confirmed their participation, with Cape Verde notably making history as the second smallest nation by population, after Iceland, to qualify. The island nation, home to approximately 600,000 residents, has sparked celebrations following their qualification.
England stands as the only European nation that has secured its place thus far. The upcoming matches from November 14 to November 19 will be pivotal, as 14 more teams will qualify directly. European nations are divided into six groups of four and six groups of five, with the group winners earning automatic qualification.
Critical Matches to Watch
Attention will be on the match between Germany and Slovakia in Group A, where both teams currently share the top spot with nine points; the outcome will be crucial for qualification. Another key fixture is the clash between Italy and Norway in Group I. Norway leads the group by three points, and should they defeat Estonia while Italy falters against Moldova, Norway will return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. If Italy wins, the group will be decided in their upcoming face-off on November 17.
Austria is also in contention for its first World Cup appearance since 1998, needing a victory against Cyprus while hoping for Bosnia and Herzegovina to lose to Romania on November 15.
The final round of qualifiers for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football will also take place in November, with current leaders Suriname, Jamaica, and Honduras eyeing direct qualification.
The excitement will continue into March, when the last chances for qualification will unfold. During this period, the 12 group runners-up from Europe will compete in knockout rounds, with the top four advancing to the tournament. Additionally, six teams from other confederations will vie for the final spots in the inter-confederation play-offs.
For football fans eager to follow the developments, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw will take place in Washington D.C. on December 6, where Australia and 41 other nations will learn their group stage fates. Viewers can watch the event live on SBS and SBS On Demand.
As the qualifying rounds progress, the anticipation builds for the world’s biggest football tournament, showcasing both emerging talents and established footballing giants.
