Manchester, England (AP) – The qualifying process for the 2026 World Cup is approaching conclusion.
The biggest World Cup ever will feature 48 teams competing in tournaments co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
To date, 18 countries have already booked their locations, including defending champion Argentina, and many other teams will join this month’s international window.
Here’s what you need to know about upcoming qualifying games:
Who played in the 2026 World Cup?
Co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States.
AFC: Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Korea, Japan
CAF: Morocco, Tunisia
Conmebol: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
Europe: None yet
OFC: New Zealand
Playoffs: Bolivia, New Caledonia
How many teams from each region are eligible?
Asia has eight direct locations and one entry into the intercontinental playoffs.
Africa has nine direct spots and one spot for the playoffs.
North and Central America and the Caribbean will win three direct berths (plus three host countries) and two more spots in the playoffs.
South America has six direct spots and one playoff location.
Oceania has its first guaranteed location. New Zealand was decided in March. Another can be added when New Caledonia enters the playoffs.
Europe has 16 teams available to play in the next World Cup. It’s more than any other continent.
What is the state of play?
Africa
Morocco and Tunisia are already qualified, with a group of seven more winners securing a direct spot into the World Cup during this window.
Four best runner up plays will be played in the Knockout Competition in November, with the winners entering the playoffs.
Egypt, Senegal, Benin, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Ghana have their respective groups.
Asia
There are two direct qualification spots remaining in Asia, determined in the fourth round of this window.
Two groups of three teams will play in the round robin tournament, with each group’s winners advance to the World Cup.
Group A features Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, while Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia form Group B.
Runner-ups from each group will play away from home next month with a chance to make the playoffs.
concacaf
Suriname, Jamaica and Honduras are the top of their respective groups participating in this round of games.
Jamaica and Honduras can seal their qualifications, but both need to win both games and results elsewhere too.
Europe
Three winners of the previous World Cup in Europe can secure qualifying during the qualifying game for next year’s tournament.
Five more teams will be available this month, including those who will advance to the 2018 semifinals and 2022 semifinals.
play off
Six teams have participated in the playoff tournament, with Bolivia and New Caledonia already confirming their location.
Two teams from CONCACAF and one team each from Asia, Africa, South America and Oceana will take part in the tournament held in March.
Of the qualifiers, the four lowest ranked countries will play in two semi-finals, and the winner will be promoted to play one of the two highest ranked teams. The winners of these matches will advance to the World Cup.
When will the 2026 World Cup be?
The tournament will take place until June and July. It will be held at Aztec Stadium in Mexico City on June 11th and at MetLife Stadium on July 19th, and will be called New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament.
When is the lottery?
The 2026 World Cup draw will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC.
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