(AP) – The 2026 World Cup will feature a record 48-team field.
Brazil, the only nation to have appeared in every edition of the tournament, made sure there would be no exception next year. It clinched its spot on Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
Ecuador also mathematically qualified, salvaging a goalless draw against Peru in Lima.
Australia qualified on the same day, marking a sixth straight appearance, with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
Next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada will begin on June 11, and the final will be played on July 19. The three host nations have their places secured.
Forty-three teams earn their berths through continental qualifying. Two more will secure spots in intercontinental playoffs that will feature six teams and are scheduled for March 2026.
What is the distribution of slots?
Asia will have eight direct berths and one entry in the intercontinental playoff.
Africa has nine direct slots plus one for the intercontinental playoff.
CONCACAF — North and Central America, along with the Caribbean — obtains three direct spots and two more in the intercontinental playoffs.
South America has six direct slots and will send another team to the intercontinental playoffs.
Oceania, for the first time, earned a guaranteed place at the World Cup, with New Zealand securing it in March. New Caledonia could join by taking part in the intercontinental playoffs.
Europe will have 16 teams secured to compete in next year’s World Cup.
Who has qualified so far?
Host nations: United States, Mexico, Canada. They captured three of the six direct CONCACAF slots.
South America: Argentina (qualified March 25), Brazil (June 10), Ecuador (June 10).
Asia: Australia (qualified June 10), Japan (March 20), Iran (March 25), Jordan (June 5), South Korea (June 5), Uzbekistan (June 5).
Oceania: New Zealand (March 24).
