FIFA World Cup 2026 status check: As Uzbekistan, Jordan create history, a look at all teams that have qualified so far
The 2026 World Cup will have a record 48 teams in the tournament to be co-hosted the United States, Mexico and Canada.
History for Uzbekistan & Jordan
A 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi was enough for Uzbekistan to take the second automatic qualification spot in Group A behind Iran with a game to spare. The Central Asian team and fans celebrated together at the end and had goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to thank for a number of important saves.
As well as the six automatic qualifiers from Asia, the UAE and Qatar, who defeated the already-qualified Iran 1-0, will finish third and fourth and advance to the next stage, where six teams will compete for two more places at the 2026 World Cup.
In Group B, South Korea won 2-0 in Iraq to clinch its place. The Taeguk Warriors were helped by Ali Al-Hamadi's first-half red card, given to the Ipswich Town striker for a high kick. Kim Jin-gyu put Korea ahead just after the hour, and the victory was sealed by Oh Hyeon-gyu eight minutes from the end. It was also enough for Jordan, who earlier beat Oman 3-0 to clinch a place in the top two. All three goals were scored by Ali Olwan.
Group C saw China eliminated after a 1-0 loss to Indonesia in Jakarta. Elsewhere in the group, a last-minute goal from Aziz Behich gave Australia a 1-0 win over Japan, already qualified, in Perth to put the Socceroos within touching distance of a sixth straight World Cup appearance.
How does qualification work for 2028?
Forty-three teams will get their spots through the various continental qualifying pathways. Out of these, Asia will have eight direct berths and one in the intercontinental playoff. Africa has nine direct spots plus one for the intercontinental playoff. North and Central America, plus the Caribbean get three direct berths (plus the three host nations) and another two spots in the intercontinental playoffs. South America has six direct spots and will send another team to the intercontinental playoffs. Oceania for the first time has a guaranteed spot — New Zealand clinched that in March. It could add another with New Caledonia going into the intercontinental playoffs. Europe will have 16 spots, typically the continent with the most representation.
Another two will secure their berths in the international playoffs featuring six teams and scheduled for March 2026.
Which teams have qualified so far?
Host nations (automatic qualification): United States, Mexico, Canada
From Asia: Japan (qualified on March 20), Iran (qualified on March 25), Jordan (qualified on June 5), South Korea (qualified on June 5), Uzbekistan (qualified on June 5)
From Oceania: New Zealand (qualified on March 24)
From South America: Argentina (qualified on March 25).
(With Reuters and AP inputs)
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