Oct 21, 2025
·Emily Kho
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than just another tournament. It’s a global celebration of soccer’s growth, diversity, and shared passion. For the first time ever, 48 national teams will compete across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the largest and most inclusive World Cup in history.
That expansion means more stories, new rivalries, and a wider mix of nations representing every corner of the soccer world.
Whether you’re rooting for a returning powerhouse or a debuting underdog, this tournament will showcase the global heartbeat of the game, and SeatGeek will help fans experience it live, wherever their favorite team plays.
How Teams Qualified for the 2026 World Cup
Because North America is hosting, the U.S., Canada and Mexico automatically qualify as the first three teams in the tournament.
Besides the three American hosts, 25 other 2026 FIFA World Cup bids have been secured as of Oct. 2025. The remaining 20 slots are being decided through qualification matches organized by each continental confederation:
UEFA (Europe): 16 bids (England has clinched bid, others TBD)
CAF (Africa): 9 bids (Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia have clinched bids)
AFC (Asia): 8 bids (Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Uzbekistan have clinched bids)
CONMEBOL (South America): 6 bids (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay have clinched bids)
CONCACAF (North America, Central America and Caribbean): 6 bids (including hosts, with the U.S., Canada and Mexico clinching bids and others TBD)
OFC (Oceania): 1 guaranteed bid (New Zealand has clinched bid)
Intercontinental Playoffs: 2 final bids decided by playoff matches among confederations
This distribution opened doors for countries that narrowly missed past tournaments, offering fans a chance to see new national anthems, flags and playing styles take the stage.
Teams to Watch by Region
With 48 nations competing, the 2026 World Cup will showcase every style of play imaginable, from European precision to South American flair and African speed.
Each region brings its own history, heroes, and rising stars, making this the most diverse tournament lineup in World Cup history.
North America (CONCACAF)
There has never been a CONCACAF team that has made a World Cup Final, but the host region hopes that will change in 2026.
United States: Backed by a young, hungry generation led by Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, the U.S. men’s national team will look to make a deep run on home soil.
Mexico: With passionate support and decades of tournament experience, El Tri will aim to finally break their Round of 16 curse.
Canada: After returning to the World Cup in 2022, Canada’s golden generation, headlined by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, brings speed and flair to the pitch.
Costa Rica, Honduras and others: They could also join the mix through CONCACAF's World Cup qualifiers, adding depth and regional rivalry to the tournament atmosphere.
Fans across North America will have no shortage of national pride to cheer for, making every match feel like a home game somewhere on the continent.
South America (CONMEBOL)
No continent produces soccer drama like South America.
Brazil will enter as one of the top 2026 FIFA World Cup contenders, chasing a record-extending sixth title.
Argentina, the reigning champion, could see another World Cup campaign led by Lionel Messi if he chooses one last dance on North American soil.
Uruguay combines history and grit, while Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay will look to challenge with high-energy styles.
Fans can expect roaring crowds and samba drums at every South American fixture, especially in Miami, Los Angeles and Houston, cities with deep Latin American roots.
Europe (UEFA)
European teams have dominated the modern World Cup era, and they’ll arrive in 2026 aiming to reclaim the trophy from Argentina.
England received UEFA's first 2026 FIFA World Cup bid, and continues its youth-driven resurgence, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden leading a new generation.
France remains stacked with elite talent from Kylian Mbappé to Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Germany is rebuilding under fresh leadership after early exits in recent tournaments.
Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands bring tactical brilliance and tournament pedigree.
Croatia, Denmark, Switzerland and Belgium are also capable of deep runs.
Returning nations from Eastern Europe could surprise. Teams like Hungary or Ukraine may create upsets that define the group stage.
European matches will draw massive crowds, particularly in cities like New York/New Jersey, Boston and Philadelphia.
Africa (CAF)
Nine African nations are ready to turn promise into podium finishes.
Morocco’s historic 2022 semifinal run inspired the entire continent. They’ll arrive in 2026 as a serious contender.
Senegal, led by Sadio Mané, continues to blend power and precision.
Algeria and Ivory Coast will bring speed and creativity that can trouble any opponent.
Keep an eye on Egypt, with superstar Mohamed Salah leading the charge
Other African countries that will be playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are Cape Verde, Ghana, South Africa and Tunisia.
With nine slots compared to five in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Africa’s expanded representation means more fans will see their flags fly in stadiums from Atlanta to Vancouver.
Asia (AFC)
Asian soccer has been on a steady rise, and 2026 could mark a major leap forward.
Japan and South Korea are consistent threats, combining discipline with technical excellence.
Australia, representing the AFC region, continues to perform well under pressure.
Saudi Arabia’s stunning win over Argentina in 2022 proved how unpredictable these teams can be.
Other qualifiers are Iran, Jordan, Qatar and Uzbekistan.
Fans can expect to see Asian sides draw large, enthusiastic crowds, especially in West Coast cities with strong regional communities like Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco.
Oceania (OFC)
For the first time ever, the Oceania region has a guaranteed qualification spot, and New Zealand has already secured it. Their passionate fan base and growing domestic league make them a welcome addition to the global stage.
Intercontinental Playoffs
The final two spots for the 2026 World Cup will be determined through the Intercontinental Playoffs, featuring one runner-up each from Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania, as well as two from North America.
Matches will be held in one of the host countries, adding local buzz before the main tournament even begins.
What the 48-Team Expansion Means for Fans
The increase from 32 to 48 teams doesn’t just expand the competition. It transforms the experience for fans around the world.
More Matches: 104 total games, meaning more opportunities to attend live.
More Cities: 16 host cities across three nations ensure accessibility for millions of fans.
More Stories: From first-time participants to traditional giants, every match offers a new narrative.
More Tickets: With larger stadiums and expanded rounds, more fans will get a chance to secure seats through platforms like SeatGeek, where verified listings and interactive maps make ticket buying simple and secure.
For soccer fans everywhere, this expansion means more access, more energy, and more chances to be part of history when the world unites across North America in 2026.
FAQs: World Cup 2026 Teams
How many teams will make their World Cup debut?
Jordan, Cape Verde and Uzbekistan will be making their World Cup debuts in 2026. More nations are expected to debut in 2026 as well due to the expanded format.
Who are the favorites to win?
Spain, Brazil, France and England remain the early favorites, but dark horses like Morocco, Japan and the U.S. could surprise.
How will the draw work?
Teams will be seeded into 12 groups of four, with top nations distributed to balance competition and regional diversity.
Will every confederation have more spots?
Yes. All six soccer confederations received additional qualification slots for 2026, making it the most globally inclusive tournament ever.
Celebrate the World’s Game
From historic giants like Brazil and Germany to new faces chasing their first dream, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring the planet together across North America’s biggest stadiums.
Find your FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets on SeatGeek and join fans from every continent as the world’s most exciting tournament kicks off a brand-new era of soccer.