FULL LIST: Countries that have qualified for 2026 World Cup

The Nation Newspaper

Four countries have qualified and joined the three co-hosting nations, Canada, Mexico and the United States, as the early birds for the 2026 World Cup competition.

The 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be the 23rd edition of the tournament and marks the first World Cup with three host countries. 

A significant change for this tournament is the expansion to 48 participating teams, up from the previous 32. 

The first team to qualify outside the host nations is Japan. Japan qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first nation outside of the co-hosts to do so.

Their 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday, March 20, sealed their spot.

New Zealand qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on March 24, 2025, after defeating New Caledonia 3-0.

Iran secured their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 

They achieved this by drawing 2-2 with Uzbekistan in their Asian qualifying match, with Mehdi Taremi scoring both goals for Iran in the draw, which was enough to secure their place in the finals.

Here are teams that have qualified for 2026 World Cup

1. Japan
2. New Zealand
3. Iran
4. Argentina
5. Canada (Co-host)
6. Mexico (Co-host)
7. United States (Co-host)