- 42 nations have booked spots for the 2026 World Cup.
- UEFA has confirmed new playoff pots for remaining European slots.
- Six qualification places are still open ahead of final matches.
At least 42 countries have now secured their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the conclusion of another decisive round of qualification matches on Tuesday night.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, is edging closer to its full lineup.
Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Scotland, Panama, Haiti and Curacao all confirmed qualification after key results. Spain earned a 2 to 2 draw with Turkey, a result that proved enough despite late pressure. Scotland delighted home supporters with a lively 4 to 2 victory over 10-man Denmark, while Austria’s 1 to 1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina ensured their passage.
Only six World Cup slots remain unclaimed for next year’s expanded tournament.
Countries already qualified include:
Canada, Mexico, United States
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
Concacaf: Curacao, Haiti, Panama
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland
Oceania: New Zealand
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
UEFA also confirmed its playoff pots after the final round of European group fixtures. The playoffs will determine the remaining European places through a single-match semifinal format hosted by the higher-ranked team, followed by a final.
Playoff pots:
Pot 1: Italy, Ukraine, Turkey, Denmark
Pot 2: Wales, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic
Pot 3: Kosovo, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania
Pot 4: Romania, Northern Ireland, Sweden, North Macedonia
Winners from each pairing will join the already qualified nations at the global tournament across North America.
