2026 World Cup: Which countries have already qualified?

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is approaching, with 13 teams already qualified. Expanded from 32 to 48 teams, the tournament offers rare opportunities for less frequent qualifiers, promising a historic event.

 Here are the teams that have secured their spots.

United States

Led by renowned head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the United States is poised to make waves at the 2026 World Cup, with stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams. As tournament hosts, they secured automatic qualification.

Despite recent struggles, including a group-stage exit at the Copa América and losses to Colombia, Canada, Mexico, and Panama, optimism remains. Can Pochettino reverse their fortunes for the US's 12th World Cup appearance?

Canada

Canada will compete in their third World Cup and second consecutive tournament in 2026, earning automatic qualification as a co-host. After failing to advance past the group stage in 2022, they aim for a breakthrough with stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.

Since 2022, Canada has shone in competitive play, reaching the Gold Cup quarter-finals, Copa América semi-finals, and securing third place in the CONCACAF Nations League with a victory over the USA. Can they carry this momentum into 2026?

see also: All players of the Uzbekistan national team received a car for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup!

Mexico

Mexico, a World Cup veteran, will participate in their 18th tournament in 2026, their third as hosts, following 1970 and 1986. As co-hosts, they qualified automatically. Despite their frequent appearances, Mexico has never advanced beyond the quarter-finals.

A recent 2-1 victory over Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League final signals strong form. Could this triumph be a sign that Mexico will finally break through to the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup?

Japan

Japan, the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, earned their seventh straight tournament berth on March 20, 2025, by placing in the top two of their AFC third-round qualifying group. The 'Blue Samurai' sealed qualification with a 2-0 win over Bahrain, triumphing in six of eight qualifiers and drawing against Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Featuring stars like Takefusa Kubo, Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Ritsu Doan, Japan is poised to challenge top teams and create upsets at the 2026 World Cup.

New Zealand

New Zealand claimed the Oceania Football Confederation’s sole guaranteed 2026 World Cup spot, marking their third tournament appearance. Led by Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood, the team remained unbeaten in their last 27 OFC qualifying matches.

In a decisive match against a determined New Caledonia, New Zealand triumphed 3-0, despite Wood’s early injury after ten minutes. This victory secured their first World Cup qualification since 2010, setting the stage for a historic return.

see also: US begins uneasy World Cup countdown as Trump moves Marines to Los Angeles

Iran

Iran became the second Asian team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, earning their fourth consecutive tournament appearance. Led by star striker Mehdi Taremi, they aim to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

On March 25, 2025, Iran secured qualification with a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan. After eight qualifying matches, they amassed 20 points, leading Uzbekistan by three and the United Arab Emirates by seven. With two games remaining, their ticket to the World Cup is confirmed.

Argentina

Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, became the first major contender to qualify for the 2026 tournament, amassing 28 points in South American qualifying. Guided by coach Lionel Scaloni, the team is a strong favorite.

With Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest of all time, likely playing his final World Cup, the reigning World Cup and Copa América champions are determined to deliver a memorable farewell for their iconic star.

South Korea

South Korea secured their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance with a 2-0 victory over Iraq, with goals from Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu, ensuring a top-two finish in Asian Group B.

Led by legendary captain Son Heung-min, who is expected to make his final World Cup appearance at age 34, South Korea aims to surpass their best-ever finish of fourth place at the 2002 World Cup.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, ranked 57th globally with a population of 36 million, secured their first-ever World Cup qualification with a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates. 

Playing their first match as a sovereign nation in 1992, they narrowly missed World Cup qualification in 2006. Consistent performers, Uzbekistan have qualified for every Asian Cup since 1996 and now aim to make an impact at the 2026 World Cup.

Jordan

Jordan, runners-up at the latest Asian Cup, secured their first-ever World Cup qualification in 2026 after seven attempts since 1986. A 3-0 victory over Oman, powered by Ali Olwan’s hat-trick, followed by South Korea’s win over Iraq, confirmed Jordan’s place in the finals.

With their spot assured, Jordan can no longer be overtaken by third-placed Iraq, marking a historic milestone for the nation.

Brazil

Brazil secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay, courtesy of a second-half goal from Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., marking Carlo Ancelotti’s first victory as Brazil’s manager. 

Having never missed a World Cup, Brazil remains a powerhouse. With Ancelotti leading the charge, can they claim the title in 2026?

Ecuador

Ecuador clinched their fifth World Cup appearance with a 0-0 draw against Peru in Lima, despite playing with ten men. The result secured the crucial point needed for qualification.

With 25 points from 16 matches, Ecuador finished second in the South American 10-team standings, confirming their automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.