These five teams secured their berths after the final round of European qualifiers on the evening of 18/11, by topping their respective groups J, H, B, E, and C. While Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain are World Cup regulars, Austria and Scotland will make their first appearance since 1998.

Belgian players celebrate their 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein at Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liege, Belgium, on the evening of 18/11. *Photo: Reuters*

Among the 39 teams that have qualified, Europe contributes 12 representatives, including top names such as England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and Belgium. Additionally, teams returning to the World Cup after a long absence include Norway, Austria, and Scotland.

South America has confirmed 6 familiar teams: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay. Bolivia still has a chance to become the seventh representative if they advance through the intercontinental play-off round.

Asia makes its mark with 8 participating teams, including the quartet of Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, along with Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Additionally, Jordan and Uzbekistan have qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

Africa has 9 teams that have qualified: Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa, and Cape Verde. Among them, Cape Verde makes its World Cup debut, marking a fairy tale story.

In Oceania, New Zealand secured a direct berth by dominating the qualifiers, marking their return after 16 years.

North and Central America has so far confirmed three teams, all co-hosts: USA, Mexico, and Canada. The remaining three direct qualification spots will be decided in the final round this morning, 19/11, Hanoi time, with intense competition among Suriname, Panama, Jamaica, Curacao, Honduras, Haiti, and Costa Rica.

The final 9 spots will be determined through this morning's matches and the play-off rounds taking place in 3/2026.

Of these, three spots will be awarded directly, all from the CONCACAF region. These are "do-or-die" matches where many teams can decide their own fate. Winners advance to the World Cup, while losers proceed to the play-off round or are eliminated.

The remaining 6 spots will come from the European play-offs and the intercontinental play-offs.

The European play-offs involve 16 teams, divided into 4 seeded groups, featuring major names such as Italy, Denmark, Turkey, and Ukraine. All matches will be single-leg fixtures on 26/3 and 31/3/2026, to determine four World Cup berths.

European play-off seeding groups:

Group 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine

Group 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia

Group 3: Ireland, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo

Group 4: Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland

The intercontinental play-offs will include 6 teams: Bolivia (South America), DR Congo (Africa), New Caledonia (Oceania), Iraq (Asia), and two representatives from CONCACAF. This round will take place in Mexico in 3/2026 to select the final two teams for the World Cup.

This marks the first time all six football confederations will have representatives at the World Cup. The 2026 tournament will span 39 days across three nations. Mexico will host the opening match at Azteca Stadium on 11/6, while the USA and Canada will kick off their campaigns on 12/6.

The World Cup draw will take place in Washington D.C., USA, on 5/12, even though the final 6 teams will not yet be determined. The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups, each comprising 4 teams.

By Hoang An