That expanded field means Argentina is already well on its way to a World Cup return, but the table is tightening up. Brazil have recovered after a slow start, while Colombia and Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay are dangerous but have had hiccups and Bolivia had won three in a row to thicken the plot in the race for the final

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez will miss their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a hamstring injury, the Argentine FA said on Wednesday.

World Cup will have a record 48 teams. Japan became the first nation excluding the three hosts to secure a spot.

Japan have become the first team to book their place at the 2026 World Cup.Or at least, the Blue Samurai are the first nation to punch their ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer via the

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday as Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo struck in the second half to earn Hajime Moriyasu's side a 2-0 win over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium and confirm their place at next year's finals.