Qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup started on Oct. 12, 2023, when international locations from the Asian confederation performed their first spherical of matches. Myanmar’s Lwin Moe Aung scored the very first aim in a 5-1 win over Macau.
All confederations are drawing to an in depth, however we’re nonetheless a great distance from discovering the complete listing of 45 nations that may be a part of hosts United States, Mexico and Canada to make up the sphere of 48.
Japan had been the very first nation to qualify on March 20.
QUALIFIED (19/45): Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Argentina, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde
What might be determined in October?
Europe and Concacaf: Qualifying does not finish till November, however we may see the primary few European international locations guide their locations.
Africa: The ultimate two rounds of the group stage happen in October, after we will uncover the seven nations that may be a part of Morocco and Tunisia, plus the interconfederation playoff contenders.
Asia: The fourth spherical is performed in October, after we will discover out the ultimate two computerized qualifiers, together with the 2 interconfederation playoff contenders.
South America and Oceania: Qualification full.
There have been 54 FIFA-affiliated nations within the draw. Nevertheless, Eritrea subsequently withdrew.
Spherical 1: The groups are in eight teams of six nations, and one group of 5 (with Eritrea eliminated).
The 9 group winners qualify for the World Cup.
This stage started in November 2023 and might be accomplished with two rounds to be performed in October.
QUALIFIED (6/9): Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde
How groups can qualify because the group stage ends this week
NB: To find out the very best second-place groups, the outcomes of the workforce to complete sixth within the six-team teams are eliminated.
SUNDAY
Group A: EGYPT (23) certified with a 3-0 win over rock-bottom Djibouti (1) on Wednesday, on the again of two objectives from Mohamed Salah. On Sunday, Burkina Faso (21) put themselves in with a really sturdy probability of one of many playoff spots with a 3-1 win over Ethiopia.
Group E: MOROCCO (21) have certified. Niger (15) confirmed second place by profitable in Zambia on Sunday, and so they should now wait to see if they’ve sufficient factors for a playoff.
Group I: GHANA (25) received 1-0 at dwelling to Comoros (15) to grow to be the 18th workforce to qualify. Madagascar (19) suffered a dangerous 4-1 defeat to Mali (15), which all however leaves them out of competition for a greatest runners-up spot.
MONDAY
Group D: CAPE VERDE ISLANDS (23) eased to a debut World Cup look by profitable 3-0 at dwelling to Eswatini (3) on Monday. Cameroon may solely draw 0-0 at dwelling to Angola, however their aim distinction successfully ensures they are going to be in spherical two in November.
Group H: TUNISIA (28) have certified. Namibia (15) took second place however they’ve the worst file of all of the runners-up and won’t be within the playoffs.
TUESDAY
Group B: Qualification is in Senegal’s (21) arms forward of a positive fixture at dwelling to Mauritania (7) on Tuesday, and victory will assure a spot within the finals. Second-placed DR Congo (19) host Sudan (13) and should win whereas hoping Senegal lose to take first place. DR Congo are simply inside the highest 4 for the very best runners-up, so additionally want a victory to rubber-stamp a playoff. Solely these two international locations are in competition.
Group C: The group was blown large open after South Africa (15, +3) noticed their 2-0 victory over Lesotho (9) grow to be a 3-0 defeat as a result of they fielded an ineligible participant. The punishment dropped South Africa into second place behind Benin (17, +5). A 1-0 win for Benin 1-0 in Rwanda (11) on Friday ended the house facet’s problem, and means Benin will qualify for the World Cup in the event that they win in Nigeria (14) on Tuesday. South Africa may solely draw 0-0 in Zimbabwe, a vastly damaging consequence.
If Benin draw, that might be sufficient if South Africa draw or lose at dwelling to Rwanda. If Benin draw and South Africa win, it would come all the way down to group aim distinction, and that might be stage if South Africa win by two objectives. If South Africa win 2-0 and Benin draw 2-2, data can be equivalent and South Africa would qualify on face to face, having received each conferences.
So, if South Africa win by one aim they should hope Benin lose. If South Africa win by two objectives and Benin draw that ought to be sufficient, as Benin would have to be concerned in a rating draw of no less than 3-3. If South Africa win by three or extra objectives and Benin draw, South Africa qualify as group winners.
However probably the most sophisticated of teams has one other complication: Nigeria are very a lot nonetheless within the image and in the event that they beat Benin the 2 groups may have 17 factors; if South Africa win, Nigeria and Benin are stage for second; if South Africa draw or lose, Nigeria and Benin are stage for first. If Nigeria win by one aim, the 2 groups are assured to have equivalent data, so it then goes to face to face. If Nigeria win 1-0, Nigeria end greater on account of their away aim in Benin; If Nigeria win 2-1 (similar rating as the primary assembly), positions might be selected purple and yellow playing cards; If Nigeria win 3-2 or greater scoring, Benin end greater with these two away objectives. If Nigeria win by two or extra objectives, they end greater.
And there is a twist. If Nigeria win 2-1, and disciplinary file is equivalent, FIFA will maintain a random draw to find out their positions within the desk. Going into the ultimate sport, Benin have 14 yellows, Nigeria have 13, with no purple playing cards for both.
Neither Benin or South Africa can now qualify for spherical two as greatest runners-up.
Group F: Ivory Coast (23) head into Tuesday’s ultimate sport at dwelling to Kenya (12) realizing a victory will ship them to the World Cup. Any shock slipup opens the door for Gabon (22), who can then high the group in the event that they win at dwelling to Burundi (10). Gabon are assured to complete no decrease than second and are positive of no less than a playoff route.
Group G: ALGERIA (22) certified with a 3-0 win over Somalia (1) on Thursday. The race for second has been all however sealed too, as Mozambique (15, -4) dropping 2-1 to Guinea means they want a win and a goal-difference swing of 10 to overhaul Uganda (18, +6). On Tuesday, it is Somalia vs. Mozambique and Algeria vs. Uganda — so, Uganda do have a troublesome sport, and Mozambique play a workforce who’ve conceded 19 objectives, but it surely’s nonetheless extremely unbelievable. Nevertheless, because it stands Uganda are exterior the highest 4 runners-up, so want a optimistic end in Algeria to extend their factors.
Present rating of second-placed groups:
1 Gabon — Performed 7, Factors 16 (GD +4)
2 Cameroon — 8, 15 (+9)
3 Burkina Faso — 8, 15 (+6)
4 Niger — 8, 15 (+1)
———-
5 DR Congo — 7, 13 (+4)
6 Madagascar — 8, 13 (-1)
7 Uganda — 7, 12 (+3)
8 South Africa — 7, 11 (+1)
9 Namibia — 8, 9 (-2) – ELIMINATED
– Take a look at the newest fixtures and outcomes right here | Newest tables
Spherical 2: The 4 greatest runners-up will enter CAF playoffs (two semifinals and a ultimate) to determine which one nation will go to the interconfederation playoffs. This stage might be performed on impartial floor in Morocco in November 2025.
The fixtures might be created utilizing the FIFA World Rating launched on the finish of October, with the very best rank taking part in the bottom rank, and second going through third. The winners of these two ties will then meet to maneuver on to the March playoffs.
There are 55 European nations, though 54 will compete as Russia stay suspended as a result of invasion of Ukraine.
There are 12 teams of 4 or 5 groups, taking part in dwelling and away matches. The group stage qualifying course of continues with double-headers in October, and it is then accomplished in November.
The 12 group winners will qualify instantly for the World Cup, with the 12 runners-up coming into the playoff system.
Qualifying started in March 2025 when a lot of the European groups who weren’t in UEFA Nations League (UNL) motion performed their first matches.
QUALIFIED (0/12):
What might be determined in October?
The groups that had been within the UNL finals solely performed their first video games in September so we’re nonetheless a means off from discovering the qualifiers — however just a few may are available in October.
SUNDAY
Group C: Denmark (10, +11) and Scotland (10, +5) are the one two groups left in competition. On Nov. 15, it is Denmark vs. Belarus so Scotland will certainly should win in Greece to remain within the hunt for computerized qualification. If that does occur, the group is about up for a decider between Scotland and Denmark in Glasgow on Nov. 18; that appears like being must-win for Scotland as their aim distinction isn’t pretty much as good. Greece and Belarus are eradicated.
Group G: Netherlands (16, +19) sit high forward of Poland (13, +4), who do nonetheless should host Netherlands on Nov. 14 however their aim distinction is 13 worse proper now — so the Dutch know they will afford to lose that and so long as they win at dwelling to Lithuania (3) on Nov. 17 they’re going to nonetheless high the group. With a sport in hand on Finland (10, -5) and much superior aim distinction, it appears to be like like Poland might be within the playoffs. Lithuania and Malta are out.
Group H: A shock win for Romania (10) at dwelling to Austria (15) has reignited the group, however Austria stay favourites to high it.
Nov. 15: Austria will qualify with a win in Cyprus (8) if Bosnia and Herzegovina (13) lose at dwelling to Romania, who should no less than keep away from defeat to remain in competition for a playoff spot (although they are going to get a route as a UEFA Nations League group winner regardless). Romania end up at dwelling to San Marino, so if they will beat Bosnia they are going to be odds-on to complete no less than second, and that may profit San Marino via the Nations League route.
Nov. 18: If Bosnia and Austria each win (or outcomes to maintain the 2 groups in contact), then they meet one another in Vienna to determine who qualifies mechanically.
Cyprus are out and San Marino have solely slim hope of a playoff via the Nations League route.
Group L: Croatia (16, +19) now look locked for the World Cup and wish only one level from video games in November at dwelling to Faroe Islands (12) and away to Montenegro (6). Even when they misplaced each matches, their aim distinction is much better than that of Czechia (13, +4). A shock win for the Faroes at dwelling to Czechia on Sunday is unlikely to imply they will gatecrash the playoff place, as a result of Czechia’s final remaining sport is at dwelling to Gibraltar on Nov. 17. Faroe Islands are away to Croatia on Nov. 14, and Czechia might be assured of second if the Faroes lose. Montenegro and Gibraltar are eradicated.
MONDAY
Group A: Germany (9, +5) and Slovakia (9, +3) are within the field seat, and Northern Eire (6, +1) will certainly should win in Slovakia on Nov. 14 to remain in competition. The ultimate group sport between Germany and Slovakia in Leipzig on Nov. 17 appears to be like like being the decider, although. If Northern Eire miss out on the highest two, they’re virtually sure to get a playoff via the Nations League route. Luxembourg (0) are out.
Group B: Switzerland (10, +9) maintain a lead over Kosovo (7, -1) and their aim distinction is value an additional level. In impact, it means the Swiss may have certified in all however identify in the event that they win at dwelling to Sweden (1) on Nov. 15. If they do not, it may open the door to Kosovo, who’re away to Slovenia (3) earlier than internet hosting Switzerland on Nov. 18. Slovenia should beat Kosovo to maintain alive their hopes of a playoff. Sweden are all however out of it however are set to get a playoff route via the Nations League.
Group D: France (10, +6) nonetheless have work to do to carry off Ukraine (7, +1) in second. On Nov. 13, it is France vs. Ukraine and Les Bleus will qualify with a victory. Even when France lose, aim distinction means they’re in sturdy place with a house sport in opposition to Azerbaijan (1, -9) to complete up on Nov. 16. Iceland (4, +2) will hope that France get the win, as in the event that they beat Azerbaijan they are going to transfer into the playoff place on aim distinction. And that units up an enormous ultimate day-game between Ukraine and Iceland in Warsaw. Azerbaijan have solely a mathematical probability of a playoff.
Group J: Belgium (14, +15), who moved again to the highest of the desk with a 4-2 win in Wales on Monday, end up in opposition to two eradicated groups — away to Kazakhstan (7) on Nov. 15 and at dwelling to Liechtenstein (0). As North Macedonia have just one fixture to play, Belgium want three factors to qualify, so they are going to do it by beating Kazakhstan — although the sport in opposition to Liechtenstein means it is successfully a formality. North Macedonia (13, +9) will look to carry off Wales (10, +3) for second. Wales go to Liechtenstein first up, earlier than an enormous sport in opposition to North Macedonia in Cardiff. Wales have to win by six objectives within the first sport to enter the face to face in second on aim distinction, which might imply a draw can be sufficient. Whereas each North Macedonia and Wales are assured a playoff route via the Nations League, ending in second provides a greater seeding.
TUESDAY
Group E: Spain (9) are high with a 100% file however after Saturday’s outcomes they can not qualify in October. On Tuesday, Spain are at dwelling to Bulgaria (0) and nearest-challengers Turkey (6) host Georgia (3). Spain have already got a aim distinction benefit of 11 over Turkey, so it is exhausting to see them lacking out from right here.
Group F: Portugal (9) have received all three matches and are near qualification. If Portugal win at dwelling to Hungary (4) on Tuesday, they are going to be over the road so long as Armenia (3) draw or lose in Republic of Eire (1). It is a shut battle for the runners-up place.
Group I: Norway (18) are in management forward of Italy (12) and Israel (9). Norway’s vastly superior aim distinction over Italy (+26 vs. +7) means a win at dwelling to Estonia (3) in November ought to successfully do the job, even when Italy win at dwelling to Israel and away to Moldova (0). On the ultimate day, it is Italy vs. Norway, so Italy (who’ve one sport in hand) know they have to go all out for objectives of their subsequent two video games, but it surely’s trying like they are going to be within the playoffs.
Group Okay: England (15) have dominated the group, profitable all 5 matches with out conceding a aim. After Serbia (7) misplaced 1-0 at dwelling to Albania (11) on Saturday, England will qualify with a win in Latvia (5) on Tuesday. Serbia and Albania each play England in November, and as Albania’s different sport is vs. Andorra (1) it is odds-on they end second and Serbia will not be on the finals.
– Take a look at the newest fixtures and outcomes right here | Tables
PLAYOFFS
The ultimate 4 locations on the World Cup might be decided through the UEFA playoffs, to be performed in March 2026. There is no such thing as a path to the World Cup via FIFA’s interconfederation playoffs.
The UEFA playoffs contain 16 groups: the 12 group stage runners-up plus the 4 best-ranked group winners from the UNL, who didn’t end within the high two in World Cup qualifying. This creates 4 routes, every with 4 groups that includes a one-legged semifinal and a ultimate for a spot on the World Cup.
The precedence order for the 4 World Cup playoff locations via the UNL is: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, England, Norway, Wales, Czechia, Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Eire, Moldova, San Marino.
Of the 14 groups to win their UNL teams, 10 of these had been in Pot 1 or 2 for the World Cup qualifying draw — so on rating would end within the high two of their group. If that involves cross, North Macedonia, Northern Eire, Moldova and San Marino would get a playoff place. Nevertheless, that now seems unlikely with Romania and Sweden struggling to complete within the high two.
Seeding:
Pot 1: 4 World Cup qualifying group runners-up with the very best FIFA World Rating
Pot 2: As above, groups fifth to eighth within the FIFA World Rating listing order
Pot 3: As above, groups ninth to twelfth within the FIFA World Rating listing order
Pot 4: UEFA Nations League groups
Semifinals:
Pot 1 vs. Pot 4
Pot 2 vs. Pot 3
Often, Concacaf would have six computerized locations in qualifying — however for the 2026 finals three of the six are taken up by the hosts. That leaves three locations to be received, plus two spots within the interconfederation playoff path.
Concacaf noticed 32 nations enter the race to make the finals.
Spherical 1: The 4 lowest-ranked Concacaf nations battled it out in two-legged ties. Anguilla and British Virgin Islands eradicated Turks and Caicos Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands respectively, each on penalties.
Spherical 2: The highest 28-ranked nations, plus the 2 winners from Spherical 1, had been drawn into six teams of 5 groups. Groups performed one another solely as soon as, reasonably than dwelling and away. This stage was performed in two blocks, in June 2024 and June 2025.
The six group winners and 6 group runners-up moved on to Spherical 3.
Superior: Bermuda, Costa Rica, Curaçao, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago
Spherical 3: The 12 remaining groups had been drawn into three teams of 4 groups.
This section began in September and might be accomplished in October and November.
The group winners will qualify for the World Cup, with the 2 runners-up with the very best file occurring to participate within the interconfederation playoffs.
– Take a look at the fixtures and outcomes | Newest tables
QUALIFIED (0/3):
What might be determined in October?
Group A: Suriname (5) sit in first place, however a 1-1 draw at dwelling to Guatemala (2) on Friday might be damaging. Panama (5) moved stage on the high by beating El Salvador (3) 1-0. On Tuesday, it is Panama vs. Suriname as the highest two meet, and El Salvador vs Guatemala.
Group B: Curaçao’s (7) 2-0 win over Jamaica (6) on Friday put them within the field seat for a first-ever World Cup look. On Tuesday, Curaçao are to dwelling to Trinidad and Tobago (4), who cannot afford to lose if they’re to remain in competition for an computerized place. The opposite sport sees Jamaica host Bermuda (0).
Group C: Haiti (5) moved high of the group on Thursday with a 3-0 win in Nicaragua (1), whereas Honduras (5) and Costa Rica (3) performed out a goalless draw. It is nonetheless too near name, and on Monday it is Honduras vs. Haiti, the highest two going through off, and Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua.
That is by a ways probably the most sophisticated path to the World Cup, with a layered qualifying course of that includes a twin group stage to search out the eight computerized qualifiers. However the primary half might be achieved and dusted in June.
Spherical 1: The 20 lowest-ranked nations performed two-legged ties in October 2023. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chinese language Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore and Yemen superior.
Spherical 2: These 10 winners joined the 26 best-ranked nations. The 36 groups had been drawn into 9 teams of 4 groups, with the highest two nations going via to Spherical 3. This stage started in November 2023 and was accomplished in June 2024.
Superior: Australia, Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan
Spherical 3: We had been left with 18 nations, drawn into three teams of six groups. Matches started in September 2024 and the spherical is accomplished on Tuesday.
The group winners and runners-up took the primary six locations on the 2026 World Cup and their marketing campaign is full.
Japan turned the primary workforce to qualify for the World Cup on March 20, adopted by Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan and Australia.
– Take a look at the outcomes | Final tables
Spherical 4: The six groups on this stage had been drawn into two teams of three. They are going to play one another as soon as, so two matches in complete per workforce, in a single host nation in October.
QUALIFIED (6/8): Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia
What might be determined in October?
We are going to discover out the ultimate two computerized qualifiers, plus the groups that may battle it out for a playoff in spherical 5.
Group A: Qatar (hosts), United Arab Emirates, Oman
Wednesday: Oman 0-0 Qatar
Saturday: United Arab Emirates 2-1 Oman
Tuesday: Qatar vs. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s late comeback victory over Oman places them in a powerful place, however they do meet hosts Qatar within the ultimate match on Tuesday. This is what that fixture can imply.
UAE win: UAE qualify for the World Cup, and the scoreline will then decide who finishes second.
If UAE win 1-0 or by two or extra objectives, Oman might be second and within the playoff.
If UAE win 2-1, second place might be determined between Oman and Qatar on yellow and purple playing cards. Oman have 4 yellows to Qatar’s two. If playing cards are the identical, there might be a random draw for the playoff place.
If UAE win 3-2 or greater scoring, Qatar might be second and within the playoff.
If Qatar vs. UAE is a draw: UAE qualify, and Qatar are within the playoff.
If Qatar win: Qatar qualify, and UAE are within the playoff.
Group B: Saudi Arabia (hosts), Iraq, Indonesia
Wednesday: Indonesia 2-3 Saudi Arabia
Saturday: Iraq 1-0 Indonesia
Tuesday: Saudi Arabia vs. Iraq
Indonesia have been eradicated, so it is a straight shootout in Tuesday’s sport.
If Saudi Arabia win or draw: Saudi Arabia qualify for the World Cup with Iraq within the playoff
If Iraq win: Iraq qualify for the World Cup with Saudi Arabia within the playoff
Spherical 5: A two-legged tie in November 2025 to earn the place within the interconfederation playoffs.
As in current qualifying competitions, all 10 nations performed one another dwelling and away. The highest six nations certified on to the finals. The seventh-placed workforce goes into the interconfederation playoffs in March.
The primary qualifiers befell in September 2023, with the league section accomplished in September 2025.
QUALIFIED (6/6): Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay
Bolivia are within the interconfederation playoffs.
– Take a look at the outcomes | Ultimate desk
All 11 members of the OFC area took half. Spherical 1: The 4 lowest-ranked nations performed a knockout format (two semis and a ultimate) in Samoa in September 2024. American Samoa, Cook dinner Islands, Samoa and Tonga had been on this spherical. Samoa beat Tonga 2-1 within the ultimate to advance. Spherical 2: Samoa and the seven top-ranked nations had been drawn into two teams of 4 nations, with matches performed in October and November 2024. Video games had been held in Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. The highest two international locations in every group — New Caledonia, Tahiti, New Zealand and Fiji — went on to Spherical 3. – Check out the results here | Final tables Spherical 3: The 4 remaining international locations then performed a one-legged knockout format (two semis and a ultimate) in New Zealand in March 2025. Semifinals, March 21 Ultimate, March 24 QUALIFIED (1/1): New Zealand As winners of the ultimate, New Zealand certified for the World Cup, with losers New Caledonia transferring onto the interconfederation playoffs. The playoffs, to be held in March 2026, will decide the ultimate two qualifiers. Six international locations will participate. Every of the 5 confederations (other than UEFA) will present one nation. The host confederation (so for this version Concacaf) receives a second slot. 1 Africa The 2 nations with the very best FIFA World Rating might be seeded and go straight into one of many two finals. The 4 different international locations might be drawn to play a semifinal, feeding via to play a seed for one of many two locations on the World Cup. The playoffs are on account of be held in one of many World Cup host nations as a take a look at occasion.
New Caledonia 3-0 Tahiti
New Zealand 7-0 Fiji
New Caledonia 0-3 New Zealand
Interconfederation playoffs (2 locations)
1 Asia
2 Concacaf
1 Oceania (New Caledonia)
1 South America (Bolivia)