The upcoming 2026 World Cup marks a significant milestone in soccer history. A record 48 teams will compete in this tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a meeting with the FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force at the White House today at 2 p.m. EST. Fans can watch the meeting live on El-Balad.
Recent Qualifications
This past Sunday, both Portugal and Norway secured their spots in the World Cup. Without their suspended star, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal dominated Armenia with a score of 9-1. This victory allows Ronaldo to participate in his sixth World Cup. Meanwhile, Norway triumphed over four-time champion Italy, winning 4-1.
Teams and Qualification Breakdown
In total, 43 teams will qualify through continental tournaments. Additionally, two will advance via intercontinental playoffs, scheduled for March in Mexico. The host nations, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, automatically qualify for the tournament.
Continental Allocations
- Asia: 8 direct slots and 1 intercontinental playoff spot
- Africa: 9 direct slots plus 1 in the intercontinental playoff
- North and Central America & Caribbean: 3 direct slots (alongside the 3 host nations) and 2 intercontinental playoff spots
- South America: 6 direct slots and 1 intercontinental playoff spot
- Oceania: 1 guaranteed spot (New Zealand) and potential for another through playoffs
- Europe: 16 teams are confirmed to qualify
Teams Already Qualified
- North America: United States, Mexico, Canada
- Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
- Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
- Europe: Croatia, England, France, Norway, Portugal
- Oceania: New Zealand
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
As the World Cup approaches, soccer fans worldwide can anticipate an exciting tournament with an unprecedented number of teams participating. Stay updated with El-Balad for the latest developments in the lead-up to this global event.
