With the FIFA World Cup 2026 On the horizon, the qualifying campaigns in each confederation are approaching their decisive stages. Nearly 20 national teams were able to lock their ticket for next summer’s tournament with strong results in the October international break – including France And Portugal.
UEFAThe qualifications are the shortest of any confederation. In just 6 or 8 matches, Europe’s top teams can punch their ticket to the World Cup – and that’s exactly what could happen this month. Although not in the first day of competition in October, some of the world’s biggest stars may be celebrating qualifying by next week.
If Portugal Defeat the Republic of Ireland And Hungarytogether with favorable results in the other Group F matches, Cristiano Ronaldo will officially be heading into the 2026 World Cup – even with two November games remaining. Kylian mbappe‘s France are in a similar position: they need to beat Azerbaijan And Icelandand hope for help elsewhere in the group.
European giants such as England And Spain faced with the same opportunity. However, the three lions have a small difference: they are off this week – playing a friendly against Wales – so their only qualifying match is against Latvia on Tuesday, October 14. If they win that and Serbia Drop points, they were able to conquer early.
Harry Kane’s England could secure their place in the 2026 World Cup next week.
Other UEFA national teams that may qualify for the tournament include the United States, Mexico and Canada Croatia, Switzerland, Slovakia, And Norway. The last two represent special cases: Slovakia has only appeared in one World Cup – South Africa 2010 – and now have a realistic chance of returning, even though they are competing against it Germany In group A. Norway has now played in three World Cups, but not since France 1998. Now led by Erling Haalandthey are about to return after almost three decades.
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World Cup Qualifiers in Africa
So far, only two African countries have secured a place at the 2026 World Cup: Morocco And Tunisia. But up to six teams could join them during the October international break. The teams with the clearest path are Algeria, Cape Verde, And Egypt – Each only needs one more win.
In addition, three more national teams could clinch a spot if they win their next matches and receive help elsewhere in their respective groups. Those teams are Ivory Coast, Ghana, And Senegal.
CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers
In CONCACAF, the current qualifying process is of course influenced by the region’s role as tournament host. The three strongest teams – the United States, Mexico and Canada – are automatically qualified. Combined with the expanded format of the tournament, this has opened the door for national teams who, under previous systems, may have struggled to reach the World Cup.
At this moment, Jamaica Main Group B of the third round and could secure a spot in next summer’s tournament with wins to spare Curacao And Bermuda During this international break – provided certain other results fall their way. The same goes for Honduras in group C, who face Costa Rica And Haiti.
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Where things are in Asia’s qualifications
In the AFC, six teams have already qualified: Iran, Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Jordan, And Australia. Two more teams will join them after the October international break, with each remaining contender playing two matches in the fourth round.
Qatar, United Arab Emirates, And Oman will face in three matches scheduled for October 8, 11 and 14. The team that finishes top of the group standings earns a World Cup berth. The same format applies to the other group, which includes Saudi Arabia, Iraq, And Indonesia.
What’s in the World Cup Qualifiers?
Regardless of how many teams qualify in October, the World Cup Qualification Trial will continue until November. By then, most confederations will have completed their direct qualifications – or at least the countries advancing to the play-offs.
Unlike previous editions of the World Cup, the December 5 DC in Washington will still have several open slots. That’s because the final qualifiers will be held in March 2026.
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At that time the European play-offs will take place, involving teams that finished in qualifying positions ahead of them. Separately, an intercontinental play-off will be held in Mexico, featuring teams from South America, CONCACAF, Asia, Africa and Oceania. As of now, the only teams confirmed for that round are Bolivia And New Caledonia.
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