Japan became the first national team to qualify through the World Cup qualifiers, with New Zealand and Argentina also clinching

The FIFA World Cup has been expanded to a 48-team competition for 2026. Here's a list of the nations that have made the cut.

Donald Trump's proposed travel ban could see 43 countries blocked from competing in the 2026 World Cup which will be hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The 2026 World Cup will have a record 48 teams, and Japan became the first nation excluding the three hosts to secure a spot. Other teams could follow in the current international window. Next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off on June 11 and the final will take place on July 19.

World Cup across the USA, Mexico, and Canada with 16 different host cities selected and the schedule confirmed.

As host nations, the United States, Mexico and Canada automatically qualify for the tournament. In the March 2025 window, we started seeing non-host nations qualify for the World Cup. The first to accomplish this feat was Japan on March 20. By the end of the March qualification window, four more had punched their tickets.

The participating nations in 2026 will come from all six FIFA confederations: UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North and Central America & the Caribbean), and OFC (Oceania).

This edition will bring a major change with the expansion to 48 teams, organized into 12 groups of four. With more matches and a new qualification system, the format promises more excitement and opportunities.

Seven national football teams have already booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosetd by USA, Canada, and Mexico, with Ghana expected to qualify