8 Countries Already Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

8 Countries Already Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already underway, with eight teams securing their spots for the historic 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the first World Cup ever held across three nations, promising an exciting and expanded competition.

So far, Japan led the charge, becoming the first nation to qualify, followed by Iran, who secured their fourth consecutive appearance. Uzbekistan made history by qualifying for the first time, and New Zealand returns after a 16-year absence, clinching their spot with a 3-0 victory over New Caledonia.

As the reigning champions, Argentina earned their place with a dominant 4-1 win over Brazil. The co-hosts—Canada, Mexico, and the USA—have automatically qualified, eliminating the need for them to go through qualifying rounds.

With the tournament's expanded format and matches across more host cities, fans can look forward to an unforgettable month of football action. The opening match will be at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the USA and Canada also kicking off their campaigns soon after.