The final six nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, completing the 48-team line-up for the tournament.
DR Congo and Iraq secured the last two spots after victories over Jamaica and Bolivia, respectively, in the intercontinental play-offs.
Their qualification concluded a process that began in September 2023 across six confederations and ended with the play-offs.
ALSO READ: DR Congo qualify for 2026 World Cup after win over Jamaica
Four European teams, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Sweden, also confirmed their places, while Italy were eliminated after losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Expanded format
A total of 48 teams will participate, an increase from 32 teams in previous editions.
The competition will feature 104 matches across 16 cities, 11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
The new format includes 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 32.
The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
How will the tournament work?
A record 48 nations – up from the 32 that featured in Qatar four years ago – will take part in the 2026 edition, making it the largest World Cup field, with 104 matches to be played across three countries for the first time.
It will take place in 16 cities, 11 in the US, three in Mexico and two in Canada, between 11 June and 19 July.
The tournament will also last a record 39 days, an increase from 29 days in Qatar and 32 in 2014 and 2018, and a new format features 12 groups of four.
Mexico will face South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca to open the tournament on Thursday, 11 June – 18 days after the conclusion of the Premier League season.
The top two teams from the 12 groups and the eight best third‑placed nations will advance into an expanded knockout phase that will begin with a round of 32.
The new world champion will be crowned at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 19 July.
Match schedule
Matches will be played across multiple time zones, with 13 different kick-off times.
Some fixtures will be played late at night for European audiences, with several group-stage games scheduled between midnight and early morning.
The most common kick-off time remains 20:00 BST.
Teams and expectations
European champions Spain are among the favourites, alongside England, France and defending champions Argentina.
Other teams expected to make an impact include Brazil, Norway, Morocco, Egypt and Japan.
Host nations Canada, Mexico and the United States have qualified automatically and will look to progress from the group stage.
Debutants
Four countries will make their World Cup debut.
Curacao, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan will feature in the tournament for the first time.
Curacao will become the smallest nation to compete at the World Cup, while Uzbekistan and Jordan secured qualification from Asia.
With all teams confirmed, attention now shifts to the tournament draw and preparations ahead of the opening match.
Full list of 2026 World Cup teams
Group A
 Mexico
 South Africa
 South Korea
 Czech Republic
Group B
 Canada
 Bosnia-Herzegovina
 Qatar
 Switzerland
Group C
 Brazil
 Morocco
 Haiti
 Scotland
Group D
 United States
 Paraguay
 Australia
 Turkey
Group E
 Germany
 Curaçao
 Ivory Coast
 Ecuador
Group F
 Netherlands
 Japan
 Tunisia
 Sweden
Group G
 Belgium
 Egypt
 Iran
 New Zealand
Group H
 Spain
 Cape Verde
 Saudi Arabia
 Uruguay
Group I
 France
 Senegal
 Iraq
 Norway
Group J
 Argentina
 Algeria
 Austria
 Jordan
Group K
 Portugal
 DR Congo
 Uzbekistan
 Colombia
Group L
 England
 Croatia
 Ghana
 Panama
(BBC)
