The road to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is intensifying as teams across the globe vie for a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament set to kick off on June 11, 2026, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With the qualification process well underway, several nations have already secured their places, while others continue to battle through rigorous qualifying matches. Keep reading for an overview of the current state of World Cup qualifiers – all times Eastern.
CAF
Africa’s qualification process involves nine groups, with the group winners qualifying directly and the four best runners-up entering playoffs for a chance at an intercontinental playoff spot. View the full CAF standings.
Upcoming Matches and Results
Thursday, September 4
Friday, September 5
Saturday, September 6
Sunday, September 7
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CONCACAF
With the USA, Mexico, and Canada robotically qualifying as hosts, different CONCACAF nations are competing for the remaining spots by way of group phases and playoffs. View the complete CONCACAF standings.
Certified Groups
Upcoming Matches and Outcomes
Thursday, September 4
Friday, September 5
CONMEBOL
The South American qualifiers are as aggressive as ever, with conventional powerhouses and rising groups striving for one of many six direct spots and one intercontinental playoff berth allotted to the area. View the complete CONMEBOL standings.
Certified Groups
Upcoming Matches and Outcomes
Thursday, September 4
UEFA
Europe has 16 spots for the 2026 World Cup, with qualification structured by way of 12 teams. The group winners will qualify immediately, whereas one of the best runners-up will enter playoffs. View the complete UEFA standings.
Upcoming Matches and Outcomes
Thursday, September 4
Friday, September 5
AFC
The Asian qualifiers are within the third spherical, with groups competing for eight direct spots and one intercontinental playoff berth. View the complete AFC standings.
Certified Groups
Upcoming Matches and Outcomes
Wednesday, October 8
Satuday, October 11
Tuesday, October 14
OFC
For the primary time, the Oceania area has a assured spot within the World Cup. View the OFC qualifying standings.
Certified Groups
2026 FIFA World Cup Groups
The next groups have secured their spots within the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- USA
- Mexico
- Canada
- Japan
- Iran
- Uzbekistan
- South Korea
- Jordan
- Australia
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Ecuador
- New Zealand
For extra, go to this updated list.
What number of groups will qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
For the primary time ever, 48 groups will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The earlier whole was 32 groups.
How can I watch the World Cup?
Matches might be broadcast on FOX, FS1, FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports activities App.
When is the ultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup draw?
The ultimate draw will happen in December 2025 at a location to be decided in the USA.
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