Get the latest update on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—discover which teams have secured their spots, which are on the brink, and the surprises so far.
World Cup Qualifiers Update: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
As the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, national teams across the globe are battling through grueling qualifying campaigns for a place on Playtech’s biggest stage. With the tournament set to expand to 48 teams and be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the qualifying rounds are more competitive than ever.
Let’s take a comprehensive look at who’s in, who’s out, and who’s on the edge in each continent, and how these qualifiers reflect the growing intensity and unpredictability of today’s football league systems at the international level.
🌍 Africa (CAF): New Powerhouses Emerging
The CAF qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup have seen a mix of dominant performances and surprise struggles.
🔥 Who’s Leading:
- Morocco: Riding the wave of their historic 2022 run, they’ve maintained their form with solid wins in Group E.
- Senegal: Sadio Mané’s leadership has kept the reigning AFCON champions on track.
- Nigeria: Despite a shaky start, they’ve shown resurgence in their recent games.
😮 Surprise Contenders:
- Burkina Faso and Cape Verde have made major strides and could cause upsets in the later stages.
🧊 On the Brink:
- Algeria and Ghana are currently outside automatic qualification spots, highlighting the depth of African talent now spread across leagues worldwide.
🇪🇺 Europe (UEFA): Traditional Giants vs Rising Challengers
The UEFA qualification campaign has been fierce, especially with former underdogs challenging top-tier nations.
✅ Already Qualified:
- Germany (as host nation)
- France and Portugal are almost mathematically through with flawless records.
- England continues to top Group C confidently.
⚠️ Under Pressure:
- Italy: Still battling through a tough group with Ukraine and North Macedonia.
- Netherlands: Facing pressure from Greece in their group and have struggled with consistency.
- Croatia: A surprising fall in form could lead to playoff risks.
📈 Overachievers:
- Scotland and Albania have exceeded expectations and sit in strong qualifying positions.
🇸🇦 Asia (AFC): Growing Influence of Domestic Leagues
With the rise of the Saudi Pro League, many Asian nations have seen improved performances thanks to increased investment and development.
🔝 Likely Qualifiers:
- Japan: Their consistency and depth make them early favorites.
- South Korea: Led by Son Heung-min, they are unbeaten in the second round.
- Australia: Now competing under the AFC banner, they’re progressing well through Group I.
⚠️ Watchlist:
- Iran and Uzbekistan are locked in tight races, with every point counting.
- India and Thailand show potential but lack the firepower of regional giants.
🌎 South America (CONMEBOL): Classic Rivalries Heat Up
With 6 direct qualification spots available for the 2026 edition, the South American qualifiers are as intense as ever.
🟢 Top Contenders:
- Argentina: The reigning World Champions are cruising, thanks to Messi and young stars like Julián Álvarez.
- Brazil: Despite injury issues, the Selecao remains in the top four.
📉 On the Decline:
- Chile and Paraguay are struggling to find consistency.
- Uruguay is in a transitional phase but still competitive.
🌟 Dark Horse:
- Ecuador continues to impress with their physical style and disciplined defense.
🇲🇽 North & Central America (CONCACAF): The Hosts and Their Rivals
🟦 Already Qualified:
- USA, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify as co-hosts.
🔁 In the Running:
- Costa Rica and Panama are leading the charge for the remaining slots.
- Honduras and Jamaica are still in contention, banking on experience and youth talent.
🇴🇦 Oceania (OFC): New Zealand Still the Benchmark
Oceania’s sole guaranteed playoff spot continues to be a battle largely dominated by New Zealand. However, Solomon Islands and Fiji have shown improvement.
🧮 Format Changes for 2026: What’s New?
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams—up from 32—which means:
- More spots per continent (Africa: 9, Asia: 8, Europe: 16, South America: 6, North America: 6, Oceania: 1).
- Intercontinental playoffs will determine the final slots.
This expansion has increased competitiveness across every league-level qualifier, giving underdogs more hope and fans more drama.
🏆 Notable Player Performances in Qualifiers
Several players have lit up the qualifiers, raising their stock in both national squads and club leagues:
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Key goals in CAF qualifiers.
- Jude Bellingham (England): Dominating midfield performances.
- Takefusa Kubo (Japan): Becoming a vital asset in both club and country play.
- Mohammed Kudus (Ghana): Emerging as a versatile attacking threat.
These breakout stars underline how the international scene is deeply tied to player growth in domestic leagues.
🌐 What to Expect Next
With key matchdays ahead before 2026, we can expect:
- Playoff drama, especially in UEFA and CONMEBOL
- More shocks from emerging nations
- Tactical evolutions as clubs and countries increasingly share resources and ideas
📣 Support Your Nation, Support the League
As the battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup continues, every match matters—not just for the national dream but for the evolution of football in every region. The qualification campaigns reflect the heart and soul of each league that fuels national pride.
Let your voice be heard. Stand by your nation. And celebrate the passion of football—one league at a time.
