As the qualification campaigns for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify, several nations are on the cusp of securing their spots in the tournament. With the expanded format featuring 48 teams, the road to qualification is more competitive than ever.
Japan: Leading the Charge in Asia
Japan became the first nation to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup, sealing their progression from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in March 2025. A 2-0 triumph over Bahrain ensured their place, marking their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Their qualification was confirmed with three group games to spare.
Iran and South Korea: Strong Contenders
Both Iran and South Korea are leading their respective qualifying groups and are poised to join Japan in securing automatic spots from the AFC. Their consistent performances have kept them at the top of their groups, and barring any unforeseen setbacks, their qualification seems imminent.
Australia and Uzbekistan: On the Brink
Australia and Uzbekistan are also well-positioned to qualify. Both nations have shown strong form in their groups, and with the remaining fixtures, they are expected to secure the necessary points to advance. Their qualification would further solidify the AFC’s representation in the tournament.
Iraq: A Nation with Ambition
Iraq, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Graham Arnold, is determined to qualify for its first World Cup since 1986. Currently sitting third in their group, Iraq faces crucial matches against South Korea and Jordan in June. Arnold’s leadership and tactical acumen are seen as pivotal in Iraq’s quest for qualification.
Concacaf: A Region with Multiple Contenders
The Concacaf region has seen increased competitiveness, with up to eight nations potentially qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The expanded format allows for more teams from the region to participate, and nations like Costa Rica, Panama, and Jamaica are in contention for the remaining spots.
Oceania: A Historic Opportunity
For the first time, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has a guaranteed spot in the World Cup. New Zealand, the region’s most successful team, is aiming to capitalize on this opportunity. The OFC qualifiers are set to conclude with a final match between the winners of Group A and Group B, determining who will represent Oceania in the tournament.
Conclusion
As the qualification process nears its conclusion, several nations are on the verge of securing their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expanded tournament format has opened doors for more countries to participate, making the qualification journey even more exciting. With the final matches approaching, football fans worldwide eagerly await to see which nations will join the host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—in the prestigious tournament.
