A total of 42 teams have secured their spots for the 2026 World Cup, with an additional six places still up for grabs in next summer’s expanded 48-team tournament.
One of the most remarkable stories so far is that of Curacao, which has etched its name in history as the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup. They will join reigning champions Argentina and the home nations England and Scotland when the tournament kicks off across three host nations—Canada, Mexico, and USA—from June 11 to July 19.
This World Cup promises to be the largest ever, welcoming 48 nations—a significant increase of 16 from the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Let’s take a look at the countries that have qualified thus far…
Who else can qualify?
With six spots remaining, four will be filled by European teams through UEFA’s playoff system. Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Wales are all vying for a chance to progress in March—more details on that below.
The other two remaining spots will be contested by teams from various confederations, including Iraq, DR Congo, Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname, as they battle for qualification through the inter-confederation playoff routes.
Who plays who in the playoffs?
In the European playoffs, Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the Republic of Ireland heads to the Czech Republic in a bid to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland will make the tough journey to face Italy.
Given that Wales and Northern Ireland are drawn in the same playoff path, a potential final clash could unfold, with the match hosted by the Red Dragons. Should the Republic of Ireland emerge victorious in their semi-final, they will enjoy home advantage in the final against either Denmark or North Macedonia.
The one-legged semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at either 5 PM or 7:45 PM, followed by the finals on Tuesday, March 31, at the same times.
World Cup qualifying playoff draw in full
Play-off Path A:
Semi-final: Italy vs Northern Ireland
Semi-final: Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Final: Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy/Northern Ireland
Play-off Path B:
Semi-final: Ukraine vs Sweden
Semi-final: Poland vs Albania
Final: Ukraine/Sweden vs Poland/Albania
Play-off Path C:
Semi-final: Turkey vs Romania
Semi-final: Slovakia vs Kosovo
Final: Slovakia/Kosovo vs Turkey/Romania
Play-off Path D:
Semi-final: Denmark vs North Macedonia
Semi-final: Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
Final: Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland vs Denmark/North Macedonia
Inter-confederation playoffs draw in full
Play-off Path A:
Semi-final: New Caledonia vs Jamaica
Final: New Caledonia/Jamaica vs Congo
Play-off Path B:
Semi-final: Bolivia vs Suriname
Final: Bolivia/Suriname vs Iraq
When is the 2026 World Cup draw?
The stage is set for the 2026 World Cup draw, taking place in Washington on December 5, at 5 PM UK and Ireland time (12 PM local time).
US President Donald Trump will join FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the historic John F. Kennedy Center, a prestigious performing arts venue, to officially unveil the group stage matchups. Trump has expressed that the World Cup is “the biggest event in sports,” while Infantino has likened the 104 matches to “104 Super Bowls.”
World Cup 2026 match schedule
The comprehensive fixture list, including group games and kick-off times, will be available after the draw. However, FIFA has already confirmed some key dates: the opening match is set for Mexico City, while the final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey—the home turf of the New York Giants and Jets.
Group stage: June 11-27
Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July 9-11
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Third-place playoff (‘Bronze final’): July 18
Final: July 19
