Your Guide to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers
Learn all about the most competitive matches in international football on the road to the world's biggest game.
What Are the Qualifiers?
Different Regions, Different Systems
Europe: 16
Africa: 9½
Asia: 8½
South America: 6½
North/Central America & Caribbean: 6 (plus the 3 hosts)
Oceania: 1½
Six Federations
AFC (Asia): Includes powerhouse nations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. They have a long process that starts with early rounds for lower-ranked teams and moves into group stages where the top teams advance.
CAF (Africa): Home to teams such as Senegal, Egypt, and Nigeria. Teams play through multiple stages, beginning with groups and ending in decisive playoffs to determine who advances.
UEFA (Europe): Features giants like France, England, and Germany. Teams are grouped and play home-and-away matches. Group winners qualify directly, while runners-up often face playoffs.
CONMEBOL (South America): Includes Brazil, Argentina, and other South American teams. All 10 nations play each other in a league format. The top finishers qualify, while the next-best may enter a playoff.
CONCACAF (North, Central America & Caribbean): Covers countries such as Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Honduras (plus the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). A mix of group stages and knockout rounds, with regional rivals often meeting in high-stakes matches.
OFC (Oceania): A smaller group including New Zealand and island nations like Fiji and Tahiti. Fewer teams mean a smaller tournament, with the winner usually entering an intercontinental playoff for a World Cup place.