Overview
- Twenty-eight nations have qualified so far, including hosts United States, Mexico and Canada, with the expanded finals running June 11 to July 19, 2026.
- Europe’s last November window begins this week, with France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Norway all holding clinching paths, while England is already through.
- Africa’s last berth contender for the intercontinental playoff will be decided in Rabat on November 13–16, where Nigeria face Gabon and Cameroon meet DR Congo before Sunday’s final.
- FIFA’s six-team intercontinental Playoff Tournament will be staged in Mexico from March 23–31, 2026, featuring the CAF playoff winner, Bolivia (CONMEBOL), New Caledonia (OFC), Asia’s UAE vs Iraq winner, and two CONCACAF teams, with seeded finalists and a draw set for November 20 in Zurich.
- The World Cup draw will place 48 teams into 12 groups of four, with hosts allocated to Groups A–C, the opener at Estadio Azteca and the final at MetLife Stadium, while the U-17 World Cup in Qatar has reached the knockouts with six African sides into the round of 16.