Record 48 Teams to Compete in 2026 World Cup Across North America

Washington, Sep 5 (AP) The 2026 World Cup will feature a record-breaking 48 teams in a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In recent South American qualifiers, Uruguay triumphed over Peru with a 3-0 victory, Colombia achieved a 3-0 win against Bolivia, while Paraguay secured their place by holding Ecuador to a 0-0 draw.

Qualification for the tournament will largely come through continental competitions, with 43 teams earning their spots. An additional two teams will secure their positions through intercontinental playoffs featuring six teams, slated for March 2026. As co-hosts, the United States, Mexico, and Canada automatically qualify.

The breakdown

Asia receives eight direct spots, plus one in the intercontinental playoff.

Africa gains nine direct spots and one in the intercontinental playoff.

North, Central America, and the Caribbean have three direct berths alongside the three host nations and can obtain two more spots through intercontinental playoffs.

South America benefits from six direct spots, with an additional team entering the intercontinental playoffs.

For the first time, Oceania is guaranteed a spot, with New Zealand securing it in March. New Caledonia might also join the intercontinental playoffs.

Europe will have 16 teams confirmed to compete in the next World Cup.

Already qualified

United States, Mexico, and Canada, as hosts, are already in.

From Asia: Japan (qualified on March 20), Iran (qualified on March 25), Jordan (qualified on June 5), South Korea (qualified on June 5), Uzbekistan (qualified on June 5), Australia (qualified on June 10).

From Oceania: New Zealand (qualified on March 24).

From South America: Argentina (qualified on March 25), Brazil (qualified on June 10), Ecuador (qualified on June 10), Uruguay (qualified on September 4), Colombia (qualified on September 4), and Paraguay (qualified on September 4).

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