Europe and Asia Set for Key Qualification Battles

In Asia, the qualifying picture is nearly complete. IR Iran, Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, Jordan, Japan, Australia, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have already secured their places at the next World Cup. The final spot will go to the winner between United Arab Emirates and Iraq, who will advance to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for March 2026.

In Europe, England have already qualified, but several groups remain wide open. Germany can secure a top-two finish if they beat Luxembourg and Northern Ireland fail to defeat Slovakia. In Group B, Switzerland will qualify if they beat Sweden and Kosovo don’t win, while Denmark and Scotland have already guaranteed a top-two finish but must wait until the final matchday to clinch direct qualification.

Elsewhere, France will qualify with a win against Ukraine, while Spain can seal their place if they defeat Georgia and Türkiye fail to beat Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Belgium, and Croatia are also in position to confirm qualification depending on other results across the continent.

Drama in the Americas and Africa

In North and Central America, the three host nations — United States, Mexico, and Canada — have already qualified automatically. In the current phase, Panama, Suriname, Jamaica, and Honduras could secure advancement during this international window.

In South America, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay have already booked their spots. Bolivia has also advanced to the Intercontinental Play-offs, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.

Meanwhile, in Africa, traditional powerhouses Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire have qualified. Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and DR Congo will face off this month in a two-round series that will determine who moves on to the global playoffs.

Oceania Also Joins the Race

In Oceania, New Zealand have already secured qualification, while New Caledonia will represent the region in the Intercontinental Play-offs in March 2026.

With each confederation approaching the final stretch of qualifiers, the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — hosted by United States, Mexico, and Canada — is officially underway.