With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, drawing closer, the qualification battles are intensifying across the globe. So far, 30 nations have secured their place in the expanded tournament, leaving 18 coveted spots still up for grabs.
The confirmed participants include the host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – alongside powerhouses from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Among those already qualified are England, France, Croatia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, New Zealand, Colombia, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Uruguay.
Several teams are on the cusp of securing their qualification during the current international break. In Europe, Switzerland can qualify with a win against Sweden and a Kosovo loss or draw against Slovenia, or even with a draw against Sweden coupled with a Kosovo loss. Belgium needs a victory over Kazakhstan. Austria will qualify by defeating Cyprus and hoping for Bosnia and Herzegovina to stumble against Romania. Spain requires a win against Georgia coupled with Turkey dropping points against Bulgaria. Germany needs only a win or draw against Slovakia, while Slovakia can secure qualification with a victory over Germany.
In North America, the situation is equally tense. Suriname can qualify with a win or draw against Guatemala and a Panama loss against El Salvador, or even with a loss if Panama also loses. Panama needs a win against El Salvador and a Suriname loss against Guatemala, or a draw coupled with a Suriname loss. Jamaica needs to defeat Curacao. Curacao qualifies if they avoid defeat against Jamaica. Honduras needs to defeat Costa Rica and hope Haiti drops points against Nicaragua. Costa Rica needs to beat Honduras and hope for a Haiti loss. Haiti must win against Nicaragua and hope Honduras fails to beat Costa Rica.
The coming days promise thrilling encounters as these nations battle for a place on the world’s biggest stage. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as the qualification picture becomes clearer.
