2026 World Cup: Full List of Qualified Teams as Portugal Progress Without Ronaldo
- The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, with more nations securing their places as qualifiers near their final stretch
- Portugal has become the latest nation to secure their spot after thumping Armenia to qualify in style without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo
- YEN.com.gh takes a closer look at every country that has officially booked a ticket to next year’s global showpiece in the United States, Mexico, and Canada
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The journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered a decisive phase, with nations across the globe fighting for a place at the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.
Portugal became the latest side to confirm their ticket, delivering a dominant performance that underscored their growing confidence ahead of next year's event.
Source: Getty Images
Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup
Despite missing Cristiano Ronaldo due to suspension, the Seleção showed no signs of slowing down.
According to Sportstar, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves each struck three times as Portugal swept aside Armenia in a 9–1 victory on Sunday, November 16.
The result secured their place among Europe’s early qualifiers and added fresh momentum to an already energetic campaign.
The qualification rush has produced confirmed contenders across every confederation.
Europe has four representatives so far, with 12 more to be decided in the coming months.
In Concacaf, three places remain open as seven teams continue their push, while hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States are assured of participation.
Source: Getty Images
Africa’s scramble delivered nine qualifiers, with Ghana among the nations celebrating after edging Comoros 1-0 to seal their passage.
The continent’s showing reflects a mix of familiar giants and rising challengers eager to make an impression on the world stage.
Asia’s eight qualifiers include traditional forces such as Japan, Iran and South Korea, as well as ambitious sides looking to create new chapters at the Mundial.
Oceania’s long-standing powerhouse, New Zealand, secured its place once more, continuing its regional dominance.
In South America, defending champions Argentina headline a strong group that also features Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Full list of qualified teams for 2026 World Cup
In all, 31 nations have confirmed their spots at the tournament. They are as follows:
Host nations (3)
- Canada
- Mexico
- United States of America
Asia (8)
- Australia
- Iran
- Japan
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Uzbekistan
Africa (9)
- Algeria
- Cape Verde
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Ivory Coast
- Morocco
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tunisia
Europe (4)
- England
- France
- Croatia
- Portugal
Oceania (1)
- New Zealand
South America (6)
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
17 teams chase World Cup slot
With 17 slots still open, drama is guaranteed. Chile have already fallen short, while Italy face an improbable path to qualify outright.
Nigeria must overcome DR Congo in the final African play-off to reach the intercontinental stage.
New Caledonia and Bolivia have also advanced to a six-team playoff tournament set for March 2026 in Mexico, as noted by FIFA.
Ronaldo faces 2026 World Cup ban
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo may miss Portugal’s first game at the 2026 World Cup after being sent off against Ireland.
A disciplinary panel will determine his punishment, but FIFA rules suggest a violent conduct offence like elbowing could lead to at least a three-match ban.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
