The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is already shaping up, and while the globe still has a year to wait, football fans have plenty to dissect. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this World Cup will be historic not just because it’s spread across three nations for the first time, but also because it expands the tournament to an unprecedented 48 teams.
As of mid-June, 13 countries have secured their places, and the early qualifiers offer a glimpse of what’s ahead, from seasoned veterans to promising newcomers.
Who’s Already In?
The host trio USA, Canada, and Mexico were first to punch their tickets, naturally bypassing the qualifying rounds. Joining them, ten teams have battled through rigorous continental showdowns, marking early exits from qualifying drama.
In Asia, the field is both familiar and fresh. Perennial qualifiers like Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia have again stamped their passes. Notably, Australia secured their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance, while Japan continues their consistent run, boasting an impressive qualification record since their debut in 1998.
But it’s newcomers Uzbekistan and Jordan stealing headlines with their debut qualifications. Jordan’s dramatic win over Saudi Arabia secured their historic moment, thrilling a nation whose football dreams have long simmered without reward.
From South America, heavyweights Argentina and Brazil comfortably qualified, joined by Ecuador, now making their fifth appearance. Brazil, who will extend their record to an astonishing 23 consecutive World Cup tournaments, arrives with fresh intrigue under legendary Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. The question lingering: Can Ancelotti deliver Brazil’s elusive sixth title, or will the samba magic falter once more?
In Oceania, the battle was less crowded, but still fierce. New Zealand emerged as the region’s champion, booking their spot despite a recent loss to Ukraine (2-1) in the Canadian Shield Tournament in Toronto a friendly loss, perhaps, but indicative of the challenges ahead.
Africa and Europe: Still Up for Grabs
While Asia, South America, and Oceania’s qualifiers are sorted, Europe and Africa remain hotly contested, adding suspense and speculation into the football betting scene. Nigeria, among other African powerhouses, is still battling through qualifying rounds, providing ample fuel for sports conversations from Lagos cafés to online betting sites like Surebet247 betshop across the country.
The intrigue in Africa’s qualifiers remains as vibrant as ever. Heavy hitters like Morocco, Senegal, and Nigeria are expected to emerge, but nothing is certain on a continent notorious for last-minute plot twists. European giants such as Germany, Spain, and France face their own hurdles though traditionally more predictable, football is never short of surprises.
With exactly one year to kick-off (June 11 to July 19, 2026), football fans worldwide remain on high alert. The 2026 World Cup promises unprecedented diversity, fierce competition, and no shortage of drama. The stories of triumph, heartbreak, and unexpected heroes are only just beginning.
