Overview
- Pot allocations mean Germany cannot be drawn with France, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, or hosts USA, Canada and Mexico in the group stage.
- Hosts USA, Canada and Mexico are joined by qualified nations across Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, with Germany clinching its place after beating Slovakia 6–0.
- Several European sides have already secured play-off spots, including Albania, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Northern Ireland.
- Two additional berths will come via an intercontinental play-off event, with Bolivia, New Caledonia and DR Congo already qualified for that tournament.
- The 2026 edition features 12 groups, with the top two plus the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a new Round of 32, and Mexico is set to open the tournament on June 11 in Mexico City.