Croatia became, Friday 14 November, after its victory over the Faroe Islands (3-1) 30the countries qualified for the 2026 Soccer World Cup (June 11-July 19), the first to be held in three countries (United States, Canada, and Mexico) and in an expanded format to 48 teams.
The three host countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico, automatically qualify.
List of other eligible countries, by zone:
AFC Zone (Asia): 8 countries have qualified
- Australia
- South Korea
- Iran
- Japan
- Jordan
- Uzbekistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
OFC Zone (Oceania): countries that have qualified
Conmebol Zone (South America): 6 countries have qualified
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
CAF Zone (Africa): 9 countries have qualified
- Morocco
- Tunis
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Cape Verde
- South Africa
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
UEFA Zone (Europe): 3 countries have qualified
Sixteen stadiums
The 48 participating countries will be divided into twelve groups consisting of four teams, the first two teams will immediately qualify for the round of 16.e final, which has never happened before in World Cup history. The eight best third placers will complete the table.
Please note: Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan will compete next summer in the final phase of the first World Cup in their history.
The opening match is scheduled for June 11, 2026 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in Greater New York.
Sixteen stadiums will host competition matches. The United States will have eleven host cities: Kansas City, Boston, Greater New York, Seattle, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Houston. The three host cities in Mexico are Monterrey, Mexico City, Guadalajara. And two cities will host the games in Canada: Vancouver and Toronto.
