The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is becoming clearer, with 28 countries already confirming their spots for the global tournament to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

With the latest round of qualifiers concluded across several continents, Africa, South America, Asia, and Oceania have completed their qualification series, while Europe and North America still have a few places to fill before the final list of 48 teams is confirmed.

Africa’s Nine Representatives Confirmed

The African qualifiers ended on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with nine nations officially sealing their World Cup tickets. These include Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.

Morocco, who impressed at the 2022 World Cup by reaching the semi-final, will once again lead the continent’s hopes. Meanwhile, Nigeria missed out on automatic qualification but grabbed a playoff slot on the final day after a dominant 4–0 win over Benin Republic.

The Super Eagles will now face Gabon in the CAF mini-playoff. If they win, they will meet the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo to determine Africa’s representative in the intercontinental playoff for a possible 10th slot.

South America Sends Six, Argentina Leads the Pack

In South America, defending champions Argentina topped the qualifiers after an impressive run. They are joined by Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay as the six automatic qualifiers. 

Bolivia will head to the intercontinental playoffs, hoping to secure one of the remaining World Cup berths.

Jordan Make History for Asia

Asia will send eight nations to the 2026 tournament, with Jordan qualifying for the first time in their history. The full list includes Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

Iraq and the United Arab Emirates will meet in a final playoff to determine who advances to the intercontinental stage for a potential ninth Asian slot.

Oceania Gets Historic Direct Slot

For the first time ever, Oceania has a guaranteed World Cup spot. New Zealand claimed the automatic ticket after beating New Caledonia in the third-round playoff. New Caledonia, meanwhile, will still have a chance through the intercontinental playoffs.

North America’s Trio Already Qualified

As co-hosts, the United States, Mexico, and Canada automatically secured their World Cup slots. The region (CONCACAF) still has additional qualifying rounds to determine its remaining representatives, with two teams also expected to compete in the intercontinental playoffs.

England Becomes Europe’s First Qualified Team

Europe’s qualifiers are still ongoing, but England became the first UEFA nation to book their ticket after a 3–0 win over Latvia. Led by manager Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions have confirmed their place early, while 11 more group winners and four playoff teams will join them later to complete Europe’s 16 representatives.

Whats left for Nigeria

After missing out on direct qualification, Nigeria’s journey is not over yet. Their playoff path begins against Gabon, and a victory will set up a decisive tie against the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo

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If the Super Eagles come through, they will represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs, fighting for one of the final World Cup tickets, a last chance to join the 28 countries already confirmed for the world’s biggest football event.