World Cup
World Cup 2026: Early Contenders and Debutants Emerge as Qualification Race Heats Up
By KUNLE SOLAJA
With less than a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the qualification picture is beginning to take shape.
So far, 16 nations have secured their tickets to the expanded 48-team tournament, which will run from June 11 to July 19 across North America.
Hosts in the Spotlight
The three co-hosts—United States, Mexico and Canada—booked automatic spots, ensuring North America’s presence is strongly felt on home soil.
Each carries a different pedigree: the U.S. eyeing a return to knockout relevance after their 1930 semi-final run, Mexico looking to finally break their round-of-16 ceiling, and Canada aiming to move beyond the group stage after two unsuccessful attempts.
Asia’s Powerhouses and First-Timers
Asian giants Japan and South Korea are back, bringing with them decades of consistency.
Japan will target a first-ever quarter-final appearance after four round-of-16 exits, while Korea still cherish their 2002 semi-final run.
The real story, though, comes from Asia’s new entrants. Uzbekistan and Jordan have qualified for the World Cup for the first time, marking historic milestones for Central and Middle Eastern football.
Their inclusion highlights the impact of the expanded format in opening doors for emerging football nations. Iran, meanwhile, maintain their streak as Asia’s most regular World Cup participants, though they are still searching for a knockout-stage breakthrough.
Oceania Breakthrough
New Zealand return for their third World Cup and first since 2010. Known for their defensive resilience, the All Whites will again carry Oceania’s banner on the world stage.
South America’s Heavyweights Lead the Charge
As ever, South America is shaping up to be one of the strongest regions. Defending champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil, and two-time winners Uruguay have already qualified, ensuring that the tournament will have no shortage of pedigree.
Ecuador, Colombia, and Paraguay also secured their spots, reflecting CONMEBOL’s remarkable depth. Colombia and Paraguay, both quarter-finalists in the past, will hope to recapture their golden moments.
Africa’s Rising Star
Morocco, fresh off their historic 2022 semi-final run in Qatar, were the first African side to punch their ticket to 2026.
They arrive not as underdogs this time, but as genuine contenders, carrying the hopes of a continent eager for another deep run.
Australia’s Consistency
The Socceroos, who have grown into reliable qualifiers since their switch to the Asian confederation, will make their seventh World Cup appearance.
Their aim will be to build on the round-of-16 showings of 2006 and 2022.
A Tournament Taking Shape
With qualification still ongoing, these 16 teams offer a glimpse into the diversity and competitive balance that will define the 2026 World Cup.
From debutants like Uzbekistan and Jordan to global giants like Brazil and Argentina, the field already captures the essence of football’s global reach.
As more nations join the roster in the coming months, the mix of tradition, ambition, and fresh stories promises to make North America’s first World Cup in three decades one of the most captivating editions yet.
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The following is a list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
UNITED STATES
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Third place (1930)
MEXICO:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
CANADA:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Group stage (1986, 2022)
JAPAN
Qualified on March, 20.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
NEW ZEALAND
Qualified on March, 24.
Best performance: Group stage (1982, 2010)
IRAN
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
ARGENTINA
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
UZBEKISTAN
Qualified on June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
SOUTH KOREA
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Fourth place (2002)
JORDAN
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
AUSTRALIA
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
BRAZIL
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
ECUADOR
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006)
URUGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Winners (1930, 1950)
COLOMBIA
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2014)
PARAGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
MOROCCO
Qualified September, 5.
Best performance: Semi-finals (2022)
TUNISIA
Qualified September, 8.
Best performance: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
EGYPT
Qualified October, 8.
Best performance: Round of 16 (1934)
-Reuters
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Egypt became the third African country to book a berth at next year’s World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday that secured them top place in Group A with one game remaining.
Egypt, who have competed at three previous World Cups, join fellow north African nations Morocco and Tunisia at the 2026 tournament in North America.
-Reuters
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Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun is still awaiting an entry visa to South Africa, creating the possibility that Nigeria may prosecute the encounter with only 21 available players.
Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle will have a total of 20 players available for Wednesday’s second training session, as the Super Eagles intensify preparations for the tie against the Crocodiles.
By Tuesday night, 18 players had checked into the team’s camp at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, with Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based forward Jerome Akor Adams expected to join on Wednesday. United States-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is due to arrive on Thursday.
Chelle has had to adjust his squad following injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers, prompting the late inclusion of Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace. Earlier, a knock to wing-back Felix Agu had reduced the initial 23-man roster to 22.
Team captain William Ekong lacing his boots for training in Polokwane on Tuesday
Friday’s Matchday 9 fixture will kick off at 6pm South Africa time (5pm Nigeria time) at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, as the Super Eagles aim to strengthen their position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race.
21 SUPER EAGLES TO BATTLE LESOTHO IN POLOKWANE
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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