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2h ago

2026 World Cup Field Hits 29 After France Qualifies as Dec. 5 Draw Nears

The Washington, D.C. draw will place the bulk of teams, with the last two berths to be decided by March intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.

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Players of the Mexican national football team, Henry Martin, Ramon Juarez and Marcel Ruiz pose with the Mexico national team's new jersey during an event by Adidas, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, in Mexico City, Mexico, November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Henry Romero
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Overview

  • France became the latest qualifier on Nov. 13, bringing the total confirmed nations to 29 for the expanded 48‑team tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
  • The draw is scheduled for Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., using FIFA rankings to seed four pots of 12 with the three hosts seeded and pre‑assigned to groups.
  • Organizers expect 38 of the 48 places to be set by the draw, with the final two to come from a six‑team inter‑confederation playoff tournament in Mexico in March.
  • Playoff entrants will include one team each from CAF, AFC, OFC and CONMEBOL plus two from CONCACAF, competing for the last two World Cup spots.
  • Confederation allocations are fixed at UEFA 16, CAF 9, AFC 8, CONMEBOL 6, CONCACAF 6 including the three hosts, and OFC 1, with New Zealand already taking Oceania’s direct berth and New Caledonia bound for the intercontinental playoffs.