INTERNATIONAL, 01 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has officially released the complete line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iraq claiming the final qualification slot. The expanded tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams for the first time in history, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to greater global representation.
Qualified Teams by Confederation
Europe (UEFA – 16 teams): England, France, Croatia, Norway, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Türkiye, Czechia.
Africa (CAF – 9 teams): South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Tunisia, Congo, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana.
Asia (AFC – 8 teams): Japan, South Korea, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Iraq, Uzbekistan.
North & Central America (CONCACAF – 6 teams): Canada, Mexico, United States (hosts), Costa Rica, Panama, Haiti.
South America (CONMEBOL – 6 teams): Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile.
Oceania (OFC – 3 teams): New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea.
Group Stage Features
The group stage draw has produced several exciting match-ups, bringing together footballing giants and debutants alike:
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, and Czechia
- Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
With Iraq’s qualification, the line-up reflects both traditional powerhouses and emerging football nations, promising a diverse and competitive tournament. The expanded format ensures more opportunities for underrepresented regions, while also intensifying the global spectacle of the World Cup.
