Overview
- Germany clinched qualification by routing Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig and the Netherlands sealed their spot with a 4-0 win over Lithuania in Amsterdam on Nov. 17.
- The confirmed field stands at 34 teams for the first 48‑team World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
- President Trump announced a 'FIFA pass' that grants ticket‑holders expedited visa appointment scheduling, with U.S. officials stressing that vetting is unchanged and entry is not guaranteed.
- The final draw is set for Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, where 48 nations will be placed into 12 groups of four with France in Pot 1 and unknown March playoff winners assigned to Pot 4.
- France is expected to play March 2026 friendlies in the United States, reportedly targeting Colombia and Brazil, though match agreements were not yet signed.