A record 48 teams are set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The qualification process is in full swing, with teams from around the globe vying for a spot in the expanded tournament. As of September 8, 2025, several countries have already booked their tickets, with the latest being Tunisia, which secured a place after a victory over Equatorial Guinea.
Tunisia qualified for its third consecutive World Cup on Monday with a dramatic 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal scored in injury time. This win solidified their top position in Africa's Group H, where they lead by 10 points and have yet to concede a goal. They join a list of other teams that have already secured their spots.
In addition to the three host nations; United States, Mexico, and Canada, who qualify automatically, several other teams have earned their berths. From Africa, Morocco and Tunisia have qualified. Asia has seen Japan, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Australia secure their spots. In South America, the qualified teams are Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay. For the first time, Oceania is guaranteed a spot, which has been clinched by New Zealand.
The breakdown of the qualification spots for the 48-team tournament is as follows: Europe will have 16 direct places. Asia will have eight direct places and one playoff spot. Africa gets nine direct spots and one playoff spot. South America has six direct spots and one playoff spot. North and Central America and the Caribbean have three direct berths (in addition to the host nations) and two playoff spots. Oceania has one direct spot and one playoff spot. The final two spots will be decided in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
