The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign is heating up as the tournament draws closer. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, this edition will feature an expanded 48-team format. As of September 2025, several nations have already confirmed their places, while others continue their fight in the ongoing FIFA WC qualifiers.
Qualified Teams and Current Standings
Asia (AFC): FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Standings
According to Al Jazeera, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia have secured their spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after consistent performances in the Asian qualifiers. Jordan and Uzbekistan have also reached the tournament for the first time in their history. A landmark moment showing how the region’s football strength is spreading beyond traditional powers.
Other teams, including Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Oman, remain in the race. These nations will continue through the final qualifying and playoff rounds, which are expected to be highly competitive because of the close point differences and head-to-head results.
South America (CONMEBOL)
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Ecuador have already booked their tickets to the 2026 World Cup. Al Jazeera highlights that Colombia sealed qualification with a 6–3 win over Venezuela in Caracas, which officially eliminated the hosts and triggered the dismissal of Venezuela’s coach, Fernando Batista.
Paraguay is also back among the qualifiers after missing the last two tournaments, while Bolivia holds an intercontinental playoff berth. Peru is already out of contention. Venezuela’s dramatic exit and coaching shake-up underscore how intense the CONMEBOL race has been this cycle.
Europe (UEFA)
European qualification is still in progress. Al Jazeera’s coverage explains that traditional powers such as Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal are expected to qualify, but no teams have yet been confirmed from UEFA at this stage.
Europe will again decide its representatives through a mix of direct group winners and playoff paths. This format gives mid-tier and smaller nations a chance at qualifying, which keeps the competition unpredictable until the very end.
North America (CONCACAF)
Canada, Mexico and the United States are automatically in as hosts of the 2026 World Cup and therefore skipped qualifying. This has opened up more spots for the rest of the region’s teams.
Al Jazeera notes that countries like Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica and El Salvador are still battling for those remaining berths. The absence of the three hosts has increased the stakes, making each qualifying game decisive as goal difference and away results may determine the final places.
Oceania (OFC)
Al Jazeera reports that New Zealand has again emerged as Oceania’s top team, beating New Caledonia in the regional playoff final to secure its place in the intercontinental playoff. This maintains the All Whites’ dominance in the OFC, where no team has direct entry to the World Cup.
Other Oceania nations are out of contention, reinforcing how tough the region’s path remains because qualification always hinges on a high-stakes playoff with a team from another confederation.
Africa (CAF)
From Africa, Morocco and Tunisia have already become the first two teams to book their tickets to the 2026 World Cup, according to Al Jazeera. Morocco’s achievement follows its historic 2022 semifinal run, while Tunisia maintained its qualifying form with a commanding group-stage performance.
Other African heavyweights, including Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, are still in the running. The final rounds across CAF are expected to draw intense attention as they decide which nations will join Morocco and Tunisia at the tournament.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Table (as of September 2025)
| Continent | Qualified Teams | Teams Still in Contention |
| Asia | Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Jordan, Uzbekistan | Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Oman |
| South America | Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador | Paraguay, Bolivia (playoff race) |
| Europe | – (qualifiers ongoing) | Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, etc. |
| CONCACAF | Canada, Mexico, United States | Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, El Salvador |
| Oceania | – (playoff not yet decided) | New Caledonia is currently leading |
| Africa | Morocco | Tunisia, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast |
Note: Canada, Mexico and the United States have already secured their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as co-hosts and did not need to compete in the qualification rounds.
India’s Campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
India’s bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in the second round of the AFC qualifiers after a challenging run in Group A. Drawn with Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan, the Blue Tigers collected five points from six matches, finishing third. Their campaign began with a 1-0 away win over Kuwait in November 2023, followed by draws against Afghanistan and Kuwait. However, defeats to Qatar and Afghanistan dented their chances of reaching the third round, leaving little margin for error.
The decisive blow came on 11 June 2024, when India lost 2-1 away to Qatar in their final group game, confirming Qatar and Kuwait as the top two. Despite elimination, the campaign showcased bright performances and highlighted areas for growth, reflecting both India’s progress and Asia’s rising competitiveness.
Conclusion
As the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its climax, the qualifying campaigns across continents are delivering intense battles and fresh narratives. The official draw on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., and the intercontinental playoff ending by March 31, 2026, will finalise the full list of participating nations, setting the stage for football’s biggest event.
For India, the qualifying journey may have ended early, but the experience gained against stronger teams offers valuable lessons for the future. With the expanded 48-team format opening doors for emerging nations, anticipation is high and the closing stages of qualifying promise dramatic finishes, surprise entrants and renewed excitement ahead of the tournament.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year contract with Al Nassr, extending beyond his 42nd birthday. Reports suggest the 2026 World Cup could mark his final international appearance, making it likely but not yet certain that he’ll participate in the tournament.
Yes, Canada will feature in the FIFA World Cup 2026. As one of the three host nations alongside the United States and Mexico, Canada receives automatic qualification and will participate regardless of qualifying round results.
Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will start at $60 for group-stage matches. Costs will rise for later rounds, with the best seats for the final reaching up to $6,730.
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