The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, expanded from the traditional 32. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks the first time the World Cup will be hosted by three nations.
As of May 21, 2026, all 48 qualifying spots have been filled. The allocation includes 16 teams from Europe (UEFA), 9 from Africa (CAF), 8 from Asia (AFC), 6 from South America (CONMEBOL), 6 from North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF, including the three hosts), and 3 from Oceania (OFC). The final two spots were determined by intercontinental playoffs.
Notable qualifiers include defending champions Argentina, European champions Spain, and debutants such as Canada (returning after 36 years) and several smaller nations benefiting from the expanded format. The draw for the group stage is scheduled to take place later in 2026.
