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New York Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
World Cup 2026: Who's qualified, who's struggling and which underdogs have a shot at glory?
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is one year away. Plans are being made, hopes are being raised, lists of countries not allowed to travel to the tournament are being checked. Thus far, more than 500 matches have been played since the first qualifier took place in October 2023, to narrow 206 teams down to 45, plus the three co-hosts, for the tournament. Ten teams have secured their passage, 67 have been definitively eliminated (plus one that pulled out) and while some of the established powers are already through, others are wobbling. Two nations have also qualified for the first time. As the clock starts to tick down, here is the state of play: who's in, who's out, who's hopeful and who's worried. Already qualified: None The qualification process hasn't even started for half the European nations yet, including some of the biggest hitters — Germany, Spain, France and Portugal. Nobody has confirmed qualification, but some teams are already in decent shape: Norway, England and Bosnia-Herzegovina have 100 per cent records from four, three and three games respectively, and it will take some effort from this point not to qualify. Advertisement A couple of others have got off to sticky starts, but nobody is in more turmoil than Italy: they have only played two games, winning one, but the first of them — a 3-0 thrashing against Norway — was enough for them to dispense with head coach Luciano Spalletti. They're already nine points back from group leaders Norway, so they might have to go via the play-offs. If Italy fail to qualify, they will miss their third World Cup in a row, which is pretty extraordinary for one of the tournament's most historically successful teams (four trophies). Already qualified: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan The Asian qualification process is so vast and unwieldy that it started in October 2023, and involves up to six rounds, the third of which has just been completed. And while established powers Australia, Iran, South Korea and Japan have already qualified as expected, they have been joined by some more surprising candidates. Jordan are through to their first ever World Cup, an incredible achievement for a country whose closest attempt had been losing 5-0 against Uruguay across two legs of an intercontinental play-off in 2014. Last week, they sealed second place in their group and thus automatic qualification with a 3-0 win against Oman last week, thanks to a hat-trick from Ali Olwan. It's an incredible feat, but perhaps not quite such a colossal shock given it comes after they reached the final of the 2023 Asian Cup, when they lost to Qatar. Jordan have done this without many stars, which is not quite the case for fellow first-time qualifiers Uzbekistan, whose 'golden generation', featuring Roma forward Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov, took them through. Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev was so delighted that he bestowed a variety of awards and honorary titles on the players, the coaching staff and everyone down to their photographer and the deputy chairman of the team's fan club. This isn't where qualification stops. Oh no, sir. The teams that finished third and fourth in the three groups go into another phase, this time two groups of three. They include Saudi Arabia, who are in real danger of not qualifying, which would be surprising given their performance in 2022, when they defeated ultimate champions Argentina, but also pretty embarrassing for everyone involved, not least Gianni Infantino, given their increasing political importance to the FIFA president and Saudi's status as hosts in 2034. Advertisement Asian champions Qatar are also in that mix, bidding to make it as qualifiers for the first time after hosting in 2022. A more surprising presence is Indonesia, led by head coach Patrick Kluivert and bidding to qualify for the first time since 1938, when they were known as the Dutch East Indies, which would be a pretty incredible turnaround given they were suspended from taking part in qualifying for the 2018 tournament. One team who won't be there is Palestine. In some respects, it's astonishing that they were even able to take part, given the turmoil in the region, but they were seconds from making it to the next phase, hanging onto a 1-0 lead against Oman in the final seconds on Tuesday, only to concede a 97th-minute penalty. That was converted, they drew 1-1 and Oman went through in their place. The winners of the two groups — which will be two mini round-robin tournaments held in two undetermined central locations — will go through to the World Cup. The runners-up will then go into a two-legged play-off, and the winners of that will progress to the intercontinental play-offs. Already qualified: Canada, Mexico, USA (as co-hosts) This is an unusual qualifying process for the Central and North American nations, given that the three teams who made it through automatically in 2022 are co-hosting and thus not involved. Therefore, there are likely to be some fresh Concacaf faces in 2026, although the qualifiers have some way to go yet. The second phase has just finished, in which 30 teams split into six groups of five were whittled down to 12, who now go into the third phase, three groups of four. The winners of those groups qualify outright and the best two runners-up go into the big intercontinental play-off jamboree. Previous qualifiers such as Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Costa Rica and Jamaica are safely through, but they will be joined by some potential first-timers, including Curacao, Suriname and Guatemala. Another name in the next phase is Haiti, who have been there before (once, in 1974) but it could present a potentially sticky diplomatic situation, given that Haiti is on the list of countries banned from travelling to the United States. Players, coaching staff and administrators are exempt from that ban, but as things stand, Haitian fans won't be able to travel, even if their national team qualify. Teams that have already qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador With six of the 10 teams qualifying automatically and a seventh heading through to the intercontinental play-offs, there's even less jeopardy than usual in South America. As such, Brazil could afford to have a nightmare, national existential crisis-inducing first half to the campaign, which prompted them to summon Carlo Ancelotti as their new head coach, but still saunter through with two games to spare. They secured their spot by beating Paraguay 1-0 on Tuesday to join defending champions Argentina and Ecuador, with Uruguay and Paraguay requiring only a point from the remaining two games. Colombia are limping towards the line: with a four-point cushion over Venezuela in seventh, they should have enough to avoid the play-offs, but with just five wins from their 16 games, it hasn't been a vintage campaign. The intercontinental play-off spot will almost certainly be either Venezuela or Bolivia, but Peru, five points back, are clinging onto an outside chance. Advertisement The real disaster story of this campaign has been Chile. The 2015 and 2016 Copa America champions saw their faint hopes of sneaking into the play-offs disappear after losing 2-0 in Bolivia, with Ricardo Gareca leaving his role as head coach after the game. It is a fall from grace from their glory days but they have not qualified for a World Cup since 2014, so perhaps it is not a colossal surprise. 'The 'golden generation' is buried, and I'm the only one left,' Alexis Sanchez, 36, rather poignantly told ESPN. Already qualified: None No team has sealed their spot at the tournament, but a few of the usual suspects are in good shape. Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Tunisia all top their groups, and at least a couple of them should seal their passage in the next round of games in September. There's a potential story brewing in Group D, where Cape Verde are ahead of traditional big boys Cameroon: watch out for their fixture in Cape Verde in September. There's a story of a different kind in Group E, broadly because it's an absolute mess. For starters, Eritrea withdrew from the qualifiers entirely, under instructions from their government, which feared its players would defect/seek asylum if they were allowed to travel to other countries. Then in January, Congo were suspended by the Confederation of African football for government interference: two fixtures — against Zambia and Tanzania — were awarded as 3-0 defaults to the opposition and initially, the remainder of their games were cancelled. In May, the suspension was lifted and Congo will be free to play their remaining three qualifiers. There is more drama in Group C, where South Africa are expecting official word that they will suffer a three-point deduction for fielding a suspended player, Teboho Mokoena, in their win against Lesotho. That might help out Nigeria, who are currently on course to miss a second World Cup in a row: they sit fourth in the group — behind South Africa, Rwanda and Benin — after six games, and even if they did climb up to second place, they might not make it into the play-offs, which takes the four best runners-up and puts them into a mini tournament for the final qualification place. Already qualified: New Zealand There was, in truth, very little tension or jeopardy in the Oceania qualifiers. In previous campaigns, Oceania (which does not include Australia, who are part of the Asian confederation) has not been assured an automatic spot, with the winners going through to the intercontinental play-offs. Now, with the expanded tournament, they get one guaranteed direct place. Advertisement In March, New Zealand confirmed their spot at the 2026 World Cup, beating New Caledonia 3-0 in the final of their qualifying bracket, thus qualifying for their first World Cup since 2010. There is an outside chance that two teams from Oceania could make it through, because New Caledonia's consolation prize will be the intercontinental play-offs, which will see teams from four of the other five confederations (all apart from Europe) scrap it out for the two remaining places. The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is flawed in several ways, and you could easily argue that it should be about getting the best teams together, rather than as many teams as possible. But you have to admit it would be pretty wild if New Caledonia — a tiny group of islands in the Pacific with a population of under 300,000 and which is technically part of the French Republic — made it through, however unlikely.
The National
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
Palestine prepare for vital Oman clash and hope a little Jordanian World Cup magic rubs off on them
The spectacular drone show that filled the skies above Amman last Thursday evening with messages of love and support for the Jordan national team may have gone, but the excitement of qualifying for a first World Cup still lingers on in this ancient city. Almost all of the billboards – digital and analogue – that frame the winding roads, display images of the team, messages of congratulations from the king or the star player Musa Al Taamari as well as Ali Olwan, the hat-trick hero from that 3-0 win over Oman that sealed the deal in Muscat. On Sunday evening in a busy shisha bar, just a long goal kick from the old Roman theatre, locals were watching Portugal beat Spain on penalties in the final of the Uefa Nations League, but among the smoke there was talk of how Jordan will do next summer in North America. For the fans, the habit of drinking lots of coffee and staying up to watch games past midnight will be a useful one in 2026. The team are also preparing – starting against Iraq on Tuesday evening. A week ago, it promised to be a tense, tight and potentially traumatic winner-takes-all affair, but now it is going to be more of a celebration following Jordan's win over Oman and Iraq's defeat to South Korea. Instead, the big match in Asia, the only one of any real meaning left in the third round of qualification, will kick off at exactly the same time just a few kilometres away. Suddenly, Palestine against Oman is the game to watch. A win for the 'home' team at the King Abdullah II Stadium – and it should feel like a home game as it is in the east of the city and near the biggest of the Palestinian refugee camps – would keep the most amazing football dream alive and send 'the Fedayoon' into the fourth round of 2026 World Cup qualifying, where six teams will compete for two more direct spots. In short, Palestine need the same result against Oman that Jordan managed. 'Jordan are an Arab national team and we are very proud of them,' Palestine coach Ihab Abujazar told The National. 'It is a big success for them, they are a strong team. They played well against Oman and now it is our turn. It is obviously an important match for us. We hope to translate all that we have been doing on to the pitch and win to get to the fourth round and bring happiness to the Palestinian people all over the world.' If Palestine can follow Jordan's example on the pitch, then they will be able to experience some of the same excitement off of it. 'The feeling here has been great for the past few days, especially as it was a little unexpected as most thought it would go down to the final game,' Palestine fan and Amman resident Omar Yousef told The National. 'I hope it inspires Palestine but the team doesn't need it, we have been close to going out of qualification a few times but when we needed to, we got a .result.' The latest was last week's gritty 2-0 win away in Kuwait, one that showed how far the team has come. Last year, Palestine finished second behind Australia in the second stage to join the last 18 in the third round where there have been two draws with the mighty South Korea. There is now a chance to move to within genuine touching distance of a World Cup. Considering the continuing devastation at home and playing all games away, just to get that close would be an achievement at least as impressive as Jordan's direct entry. 'We were so happy to be here and have a chance to play against teams like South Korea and their big stars but we showed that we can match them and that we deserve to be here.' said Yousef. 'Now we want more. If we can draw with South Korea in Korea then we can beat Oman in Amman, and then who knows?' A second night of World Cup celebration in Amman in the space of five days would be unprecedented in the city's long history. 'The mood here has been a little happier and brighter since Jordan qualified,' added Yousef. 'That spirit is making us dream.'
Khaleej Times
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Jordan Crown Prince celebrates with team after historic World Cup qualification
There were unprecedented scenes at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in neighbouring Oman on Thursday, June 5. As Muslims prepared to celebrate the blessed occasion of Eid Al Adha, Jordan had more reasons to rejoice as they rewrote a slice of history. The Hashemite Kingdom qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Ali Olwan, the 25-year-old striker fired a hattrick as Jordan defeated hosts Oman 3-0. The victory moved them to 16 points. And their ticket to next year's showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico was confirmed after South Korea's 2-0 win against Iraq in Basra. The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups go straight to the World Cup, while those finishing third and fourth — the UAE and Qatar hold those slots in Group A — enter a fourth round of qualifiers. As Jordan celebrated this stellar achievement, no one was more happier than the team's "12th man", who has been the squad's pillar of support. Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein, an avid football lover, was in the stands to support the team. He later met the team following the match and the love, affection and respect was evident as the cheered the Crown Prince. Later, the Crown Prince cut a cake with the team onboard Royal Jordanian Airlines, the country's flagship carrier. Watch the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Jordanian (@royaljordanian) And on Friday, the Crown Prince and the squad touched down in Jordan where they were received by Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein and Prince Hashem bin Abdullah. Watch the video below: #جابÙ�Ù�ا_اÙ�أبطاÙ� #اÙ�أبطاÙ�_Ù�Ù�_اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù�دÙ�اÙ� — Jordan FA - اÙ�اذØاد اÙ�أردÙ�Ù� Ù�Ù�رة اÙ�Ù�دÙ� (@JordanFA) June 6, 2025 Crown Prince later took to Instagram where he posted a video which contained footage chronicling Jordan's footballing journey and he wrote: "After a long journey, the dream is now a reality. This is for every Jordanian who believed in the dream." Watch the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Al Hussein bin Abdullah II (@alhusseinjo) Ahead of the game, the Crown Prince shared a heartwarming Instagram story of his daughter Princess Iman wearing the team's jersey.
Observer
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Ali Olwan hits hat-trick as Jordan blank Oman
MUSCAT, June 5 The Jordanian star striker Ali Olwan delivered a crucial victory to his team as Jordan blanked Oman 3-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday night at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The emphatic win boosted Jordan's chances of securing direct berth qualification to the Fifa World Cup next year for the first time in their history as they reached 16 points. On the other hand, the defeat meant Red Warriors dashed their hopes for a top-two finish and now redirects their efforts toward the playoff spot route as they remained at ten points. The first half saw a cautious start from both sides with each team tightening their defensive lines to avoid an early setback. Jordan dominated midfield possession and had the first significant threat when Moosa al Tamari found the net in the 11th minute only to be flagged offside. Oman's first reply came moments later, as Abdulrahman al Mushaifri fired a powerful effort that narrowly missed the left post. In the 23rd minute, Essam al Subhi had a clear opportunity to score but was denied by a brilliant save from Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila. The Red Warriors mounted more pressure, with Thani al Rushaidi heading over from a corner and al Mushaifri again being blocked from long range. However, momentum shifted in Jordan's favor after Khalid al Buraiki conceded a penalty following a VAR review. Ali Olwan converted from the spot in the 35th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The first half concluded with Oman pushing for an equaliser but unable to break through a disciplined Jordanian defense. The second half saw Jordan coach Jamal Selami bring on Saleem Obaid for Mohammad Abu Al Nadi in a move that revitalised Jordan's attack. In the 52nd minute, Olwan doubled the lead with a calm finish off a pinpoint assist from Yazan Al Naimat. Twelve minutes later, Olwan completed his hat-trick, latching onto a perfectly timed pass from Moosa al Tamari and converting from close range to make it 3-0 in a scoreline that proved insurmountable. Final Push Oman coach Rasheed Jaber reacted quickly as he introduced Hatim al Roshdi for Harib al Saadi, Al Mundher al Alawi for Salah Al Yahyaei and Zaher Al Aghbari for Jameel Al Yahmadi. Despite the changes, Jordan's disciplined defensive line absorbed the pressure well. Oman's efforts, particularly from Ali al Busaidi and Abdulrahman al Mushaifri lacked the final touch, as Jordan held firm to seal a clinical 3-0 victory in Muscat.
The National
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
Jordan celebrate historic World Cup qualification, King Abdullah II leads tributes
Jordan's King Abdullah II led the tributes as his nation celebrated reaching the Fifa World Cup for the first time in their history. Ali Olwan was the hero for the Jordanians as he netted a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Oman in Muscat on Thursday night. The jubilant away supporters were joined by Crown Prince Hussein, who was seen celebrating in the stands. The win put the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up into a commanding position to secure a top-two finish in AFC qualifying Group B behind leaders South Korea, and their progress was confirmed a few hours later when the Koreans beat Iraq 2-0 in Basra. Jordan's King Abdullah II congratulated the team on social media. 'This historic qualification is well-deserved by our team, which includes stars and cadres of whom we are proud,' he wrote on X. 'Special thanks go to our loyal fans who have been our support and encouragement.' Jordan's qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico extends a rewarding period for the national team after their run to the Asian Cup final in 2023. In that competition they eliminated South Korea in the last four before eventually losing to hosts Qatar in the final. The South Koreans cemented top spot in AFC Group B and consigned Iraq to another round of qualifying with a routine victory at the Basra International Stadium. The Iraqi cause was not helped by a first-half red card for Ipswich striker Ali Al Hamadi and goals after the break from Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu confirmed their defeat. The Iraqis will drop into the fourth round of qualifying where they will be joined by either Palestine or Oman who meet next week in a winner-takes-all clash. Palestine kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Kuwait on Thursday thanks to goals from Tamer Seyam and Wessam Abou Ali. The six teams who finish third and fourth across the three AFC groups will enter a fresh phase of qualifying featuring two groups of three with the winners of each section sealing a place at the finals. Four of the six teams – UAE, Qatar, Indonesia and Iraq – are already known, with most likely Saudi Arabia and one of Palestine and Oman to complete the line up. Saudi Arabia alive but face steep task Saudi Arabia and Australia will go head-to-head next Tuesday for the second automatic spot in Group C. Australia remain in pole position following their last-gasp win against group leaders Japan in Perth. Defender Aziz Behich was the home hero in front of more than 57,000 fans, rifling into the corner in the 90th minute to give Tony Popovic's side a crucial 1-0 victory. 'We know there's room to grow and room to improve, but we've done something special tonight,' said Popovic, who saw his team outplayed for long periods by an experimental Japan side. Saudi Arabia ensured the race for second place will go down to the wire courtesy of a 2-0 win against Bahrain in Riffa. Goals in either half from Musab Al Juwayr and Abdulrahman Al Obud saw Herve Renard's men stay three points behind second-placed Australia. However, the Saudis will have to win in Jeddah by five goals to leapfrog the Socceroos. Popovic, who replaced Graham Arnold in the dugout in September, added: 'We've all played a part in getting us to this point. We want to go to Saudi Arabia and really finish the job off.' Also in Group C, Patrick Kluivert's Indonesia kept alive their hopes of reaching a first World Cup since the country's independence in 1945 with a 1-0 win over China. That leaves Indonesia fourth in the group, one point behind Saudi. Ole Romeny scored the only goal, his controversial penalty just before half time following a VAR check leaving China rooted to the bottom of the group and thus ending their hopes of making a second World Cup. UAE and Qatar will move into the next round of qualifying.
