The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, and it promises to be the biggest and most exciting tournament yet! For the first time in history, three nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—will co-host the event, and the tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 teams. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming world cup qualifiers tournament, including key dates, format changes, and the qualification process.
Tournament Overview
- Start Date: June 11, 2026 (Opening Match in Mexico City)
- Final Date: July 19, 2026 (Final Match in New Jersey)
- Total Duration: 39 Days
- Number of Teams: 48 (New Format)
- Host Countries: Canada, Mexico, United States
This World Cup will be the longest in history, lasting almost six weeks, and will introduce an exciting new structure.
New Format: 48 Teams & Knockout Rounds
For the first time, the tournament will expand from 32 to 48 teams, introducing:
- 12 groups of four teams each
- The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will qualify for the knockout stage.
- A new Round of 32 will be introduced before the usual Round of 16.
This format increases the number of matches and gives more nations a chance to compete at the highest level.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification Process
So far, only three nations have secured their places:
- Canada (Host)
- Mexico (Host)
- United States (Host)
The remaining 45 spots will be determined through continental qualification rounds, with the following allocations:
- Europe (UEFA): 16 spots
- Africa (CAF): 9 spots (minimum)
- Asia (AFC): 8 spots (minimum)
- North & Central America (CONCACAF): 3 additional spots (excluding hosts)
- South America (CONMEBOL): Several qualification spots
- Oceania (OFC): 1 guaranteed spot
- Intercontinental Play-Offs: 6 teams from different regions (North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Oceania) will compete for the final two spots.
Qualification Matchdays & Play-Off Schedule
World Cup qualification matches will take place across five international breaks, with games played on 10 matchdays:
- March 21-25, 2025
- June 6-10, 2025
- September 4-9, 2025
- October 9-14, 2025
- November 13-18, 2025
Play-Offs
- Final play-offs: March 26-31, 2026
- Northern Ireland’s opening match: September 4, 2025, vs Luxembourg
- Scotland’s first match: September 5, 2025, vs Denmark/Portugal
Not all teams will play qualifiers on every matchday, as each team plays a maximum of eight matches. Some teams, like Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, will participate in Nations League play-offs instead of World Cup qualifiers in March.
What to Expect from the 2026 World Cup
With a larger field of teams, an extended tournament duration, and a fresh format, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to deliver even more excitement, surprises, and drama. Expect new nations to make their World Cup debut and an intense fight for a place in the Round of 32 knockout stage.
As qualification progresses, more teams will book their tickets to the biggest football spectacle in the world. Stay tuned for updates as we move closer to June 2026!
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