World Cup 2026 Qualification Reaches Crucial November Stage

The qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached a very important moment. Out of the total 48 spots available in the tournament, 29 places have already been confirmed. Many more teams still need to qualify, and the matches happening in the November international window will help decide which countries join the World Cup. This period is especially important for European teams because many of them have the chance to qualify this week.

Teams Already Qualified for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever held, with 48 teams participating instead of the usual 32. The tournament will take place in three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. These three nations automatically qualified as hosts.

In Asia, eight countries have already secured their places: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
In Africa, nine nations have qualified: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
In Europe, two teams — England and France — have earned qualification.
From Oceania, New Zealand has secured its place.
In South America, the six qualifying teams are Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
So far, no team from North and Central America (Concacaf) has qualified, other than the host countries.

Teams That Can Qualify Next in November

The November matches are very important because many countries can confirm their World Cup places this week.

Austria: Austria can qualify for the first time since 1998. They need to win against Cyprus on November 15. They also need Bosnia and Herzegovina to fail to win against Romania.

Belgium: Belgium can secure their place with a win against Kazakhstan on November 15. This would be their fourth World Cup in a row.

Honduras: Honduras can qualify with a win over Nicaragua on November 13. They also need Costa Rica and Haiti to draw their match.

Jamaica: Jamaica can return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. They must beat Trinidad and Tobago on November 13, and Bermuda must defeat Curaçao.

Netherlands: The Netherlands can qualify by beating Poland on November 14. The Dutch team missed the 2002 and 2018 World Cups but finished second in 2010 and third in 2014.

Norway: Norway can reach the World Cup by winning or drawing against Estonia on November 13. A draw will also require Moldova to beat Italy. If they qualify, star player Erling Haaland will play in his first World Cup.

Portugal: Portugal can qualify with a win against Ireland on November 13. Even a draw could be enough if Armenia gets a point or more against Hungary. This could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup.

Spain: Spain can qualify by winning against Georgia on November 15. They also need Türkiye to fail to win against Bulgaria.

Switzerland: Switzerland can qualify with a win or draw against Sweden on November 15, but they also need help from Slovenia. If Switzerland wins, Kosovo must not beat Slovenia. If Switzerland draws, Kosovo must lose.

How Many Spots Each Region Gets

FIFA divides the 48 World Cup spots among different regions:

• Hosts (3): Canada, Mexico, USA

• Asia (8 places): Already filled; one extra team enters an intercontinental playoff

• Africa (9 places): Group winners qualify; best runners-up enter playoffs

• Concacaf (3 places): Group winners qualify; runners-up go to playoffs

• Europe (16 places): Group winners qualify; others go to playoffs in March 2026

• Oceania (1 place): New Zealand qualified

• South America (6 places): All places filled; Bolivia goes to playoff

• Intercontinental playoff (2 places): Played in March 2026 in Mexico