UpThirty-three countries across six continents have now qualified for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the latest standings released after Thursday’s matches.
Africa already has nine nations confirmed, following the conclusion of its qualification phase. Two more teams — including Nigeria and DR Congo — remain in contention as they battle through the continental playoffs for a chance to reach the intercontinental final round.
Teams Qualified for the 2026 World Cup (as of Thursday):
Host Nations:
Canada, Mexico, United States
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:
England, France
Oceania:
New Zealand
South America:
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
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Meanwhile, the final African playoff is set: DR Congo will face Nigeria on Sunday in Morocco for a ticket to the intercontinental qualifiers.
The Leopards booked their spot in the playoff final after defeating Cameroon 1–0 at Stade El Barid, while the Super Eagles produced a brilliant 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The winner of Sunday’s clash will move on to the six-team intercontinental playoff taking place in Mexico in March 2026. That final round will determine the last two countries joining the 2026 World Cup co-hosts — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — at next year’s tournament.
