France have become the latest country to book their place at the 2026 World Cup, but what is at stake and who else could join them in November’s qualifiers?
A total of 29 teams are now certain of their place, including England, holders Argentina and World Cup debutants Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
However, there are 19 spots still to be claimed, with the majority coming from Europe.
Scotland have everything to play for when they travel to Greece, looking to set up a “cup final” and possible winner-takes-all encounter against Denmark in the second of this month’s pivotal qualifiers.
Wales face crucial games against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia, needing to win both to guarantee the runner-up spot in Group J.
Belgium, the Netherlands and Portugal can each secure spots with victory in their next game.
Norway just need to not lose 9-0 or more to Italy on Sunday to qualify.
Croatia are all but there, sitting three points above the Czech Republic with a far superior goal difference and a game in hand.
Joint-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States were all granted automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already qualified from Asia.
Oceania’s one direct qualification spot has been taken by New Zealand.
Tunisia and Morocco were the first two African sides to go through, and they have been joined by Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and South Africa – who will play in their first World Cup since hosting in 2010.
Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia are the other South American nations currently guaranteed a place.
While they have not qualified for the tournament in full, Bolivia and New Caledonia are two of the six nations confirmed to take part in the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026.
Teams through to 2026 World Cup
Hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States
Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Europe: England, France
Oceania: New Zealand
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
