FIFA has officially confirmed the list of 48 teams qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, marks the first edition with an expanded format of 48 teams, up from 32 in previous tournaments.
The qualified teams include all three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Other notable qualifiers are defending champions Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, England, and Spain. Debutants include Canada (as host), as well as several teams qualifying for the first time through regional tournaments, such as Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea from Africa, and Uzbekistan from Asia.
The qualification process concluded in March 2026, with the final spots decided through intercontinental playoffs. The draw for the group stage is scheduled for April 2026 in Miami, Florida. The tournament will feature 16 groups of three teams each, with the top two from each group advancing to a knockout round of 32.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, 'The 2026 World Cup will be the most inclusive and competitive in history, showcasing the global growth of football.' The expanded format aims to increase participation from underrepresented regions, with Africa and Asia receiving additional slots.
