2026 FIFA World Cup: List of Qualified Teams Ahead of USA, Canada, Mexico Tournament
- Three nations have already booked their spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for next year
- For the first time in history, the 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico
- With 13 teams already qualified, 35 World Cup berths remain up for grabs ahead of next year’s competition
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With roughly 279 days to go until the 2026 World Cup kicks off across Canada, the USA, and Mexico, excitement is building.
Argentina, under the leadership of Lionel Messi, enter the tournament as reigning champions, aiming to defend their title in what could be the final major competition for one of football’s greatest players.
Source: Getty Images
In this article, we provide a detailed look at all the teams that have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
1. United States
The United States is preparing for its return to the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host for the second time, having first hosted in 1994.
Led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the squad features a promising generation of talent, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna.
2. Canada
Following a lengthy absence from the World Cup, Canada’s men’s national team made a return in 2022, but bowed out at the group stage after defeats to Morocco, Croatia, and Belgium.
As a co-host for the 2026 tournament, Canada is now aiming to translate their potential into strong performances, according to FIFA World Cup Updates.
3. Mexico
A perennial powerhouse with a passionate fanbase, Mexico will welcome matches as a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team will aim to capitalise on home advantage and showcase its footballing might once more.
4. Japan
According to Reuters, Japan secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as winners of AFC Third Round Group C on 20 March 2025.
This will be their eighth straight World Cup, having qualified consistently since 1998. Their top performances include reaching the Round of 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand picked up their ticket to the World Cup after clinching the OFC Third Round on 24 March 2025. Returning for only the third time and their first since 2010, the team’s qualification highlights the development of a new wave of talent in Oceania’s leading football nation.
6. Iran
Iran sealed their World Cup spot by winning AFC Third Round Group A on March 25, 2025. This marks their seventh appearance and fourth consecutive outing since 2014.
Known for their resilience, Iran consistently proves tough to break down, particularly in tightly contested matches.
7. Argentina
Argentina qualified for 2026 by topping the CONMEBOL table on March 25, 2025. This will be their 19th World Cup and 14th consecutive appearance, possibly marking Lionel Messi’s final major tournament.
With three titles already (1978, 1986, 2022), La Albiceleste continue to combine legendary pedigree with enduring influence on the global stage.
Source: Getty Images
8. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan booked their spot as runners-up in AFC Third Round Group A on June 5, 2025, marking their first-ever World Cup appearance. This historic achievement highlights the rapid progress of football in Central Asia.
9. South Korea
South Korea secured qualification by topping AFC Third Round Group B on June 5, 2025. It will be their 12th World Cup and 11th consecutive appearance since 1986. Known for their high-energy, pressing style, South Korea continues to impress with remarkable consistency on the global stage.
10. Jordan
Jordan earned a World Cup berth as runners-up in AFC Third Round Group B on June 5, 2025, making their debut in the tournament. This milestone marks a major step forward for Jordanian football, showcasing years of development and ambition as they prepare to make their mark on the world stage.
11. Australia
Australia booked their place by finishing as runners-up in AFC Third Round Group C on June 10, 2025. It will be their seventh World Cup appearance and sixth consecutive since 2006.
12. Brazil
Brazil, defeated by Argentina 4-1 in March this year, sealed qualification by finishing in the top six of CONMEBOL qualifiers on June 10, 2025. They will maintain their perfect record, not missing a single World Cup, marking their 23rd appearance.
As five-time champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), Brazil bring flair, depth, and an unmatched trophy pedigree to the competition. They remain one of the tournament's favourites.
13. Ecuador
Ecuador secured qualification through the CONMEBOL Top‑Six on June 10, 2025, marking their fifth World Cup appearance and second in a row since 2022. Their best performance remains reaching the Round of 16 in 2006.
Ghana’s World Cup hopes
YEN.com.gh previously highlighted the full list of teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup as of March 2025, including insights on how Ghana’s Black Stars could secure their spot.
Otto Addo’s squad currently leads Group I, having amassed 15 points from six matches, with Comoros next on the standings with three points less.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
