Sports
7 Nations Secure 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification
By Benjamin Abioye

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic moment as the tournament expands to 48 teams, an increase from the 32-team format used since 1998.
This expansion will bring together more nations than ever before, with the event being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As the qualification process continues, several teams have already secured their spots in the tournament. Before listing the qualified nations, it is important to understand how FIFA has distributed the additional slots among different regions.
The slot allocations for the 2026 World Cup are as follows:
– Europe (UEFA): 16 slots
– Africa (CAF): 9 slots
– Asia (AFC): 8 slots
– South America (CONMEBOL): 6 slots
– North & Central America (CONCACAF): 6 slots
– Oceania (OFC): 1 slot (for the first time ever)
– Intercontinental Playoffs: 2 additional slots
– Countries That Have Qualified
Canada: As one of the co-hosts, Canada automatically qualifies for the tournament. This will be the country’s third World Cup appearance. With a young and talented squad, Canada hopes to make history by advancing beyond the group stage for the first time.
Mexico: Hosting the World Cup for the third time, Mexico has previously organized the tournament in 1970 and 1986. This will be their 18th appearance in the competition, as they continue their quest to reach the semifinals for the first time.
United States: The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) will participate in their 12th World Cup. After reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022, the team is aiming for a stronger performance, backed by a squad featuring players from top European clubs.
Japan: Japan has secured its place in the tournament for the seventh consecutive time. Having consistently reached the Round of 16 in recent editions, the Samurai Blue now aim to break new ground by advancing to the quarterfinals.
New Zealand: Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, New Zealand secured Oceania’s automatic qualification slot. The All Whites are determined to make an impact on the global stage.
Iran: Iran continues its streak of World Cup appearances by qualifying for the fourth consecutive time. Team Melli, with an experienced squad, hopes to make history by progressing beyond the group stage for the first time.
Argentina: The reigning world champions will defend their title in North America. Argentina is seeking to achieve a historic feat—becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
With more qualification matches yet to be played, additional teams will secure their spots in the coming months, making the 2026 World Cup one of the most diverse and competitive tournaments in history.
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