7 Countries secure spots for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Seven countries out of the 48 available spots have already booked their tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with four teams securing their place during the recent international break, despite some European teams still yet to begin their qualifying campaigns.
Japan were the first to qualify, securing their spot with three games to spare after a 2-0 win over Bahrain.
New Zealand followed, clinching their place with a 3-0 victory over New Caledonia in the Oceania final.
Iran also qualified after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan, while defending champions Argentina sealed their spot with a dominant 4-1 win over Brazil.
In total, seven teams have now qualified, including the co-hosts – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – who automatically earned their places.
It will be over a year before all 48 teams are confirmed, with the expanded World Cup allowing more teams from each continent to qualify than ever before.
The 2026 World Cup final will be held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July 2026, marking the second men's World Cup final hosted in the USA, following the 1994 edition.
