Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 World Cup Qualification

The countdown to the next FIFA World Cup has already begun and promises moments of tension and suspense, since no one wants to miss out on the biggest sporting event on the planet.
 

Where will the 2026 World Cup be held?

During the 68th FIFA Congress, on June 13, 2018, it was announced that the 2026 World Cup would be hosted in three countries: the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada.

For Mexico, which has already hosted two historic tournaments (1970 and 1986), and for the USA, hosts in 1994, this will not be new. Canada, however, will make its debut as organizer of a men’s World Cup. This unprecedented combination of three hosts promises a tournament marked by cultural diversity and logistical grandeur.

The competition will take place between June 11 and July 19, 2026, and for the first time will feature 48 national teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 32.

With this new format, the tournament gains even more excitement, as more nations will have the chance to shine on the world’s biggest stage.
 

Stadiums and host cities

The World Cup will be played in 16 cities: 11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. Each stadium was chosen not only for its capacity but also for its history and impact on international soccer.

   • United States: AT&T Stadium (Dallas, 93,000), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, 76,000), NRG Stadium (Houston, 72,000), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, 75,000), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles, 70,000), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, 69,000), Lumen Field (Seattle, 69,000), Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco, 68,500), Gillette Stadium (Boston, 65,800), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, 64,700).

   • Mexico: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, 88,000 – opening match), Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, 53,500), Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, 48,800).

   • Canada: BMO Field (Toronto, 45,700), BC Place (Vancouver, 54,500).

The final will be played on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with a capacity of 87,000 spectators. Between the legendary Azteca and the modern MetLife, the 2026 World Cup promises to unite tradition and innovation in unforgettable venues.
 

Which teams have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

As of November 2025, 42 teams have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Among them are European and South American giants: Germany, England, France, Croatia, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, and Portugal, along with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, the USA, and Canada (the latter three as hosts).

This initial group confirms that the main favorites already have their place secured, but there is still room for surprises. Only six spots remain: four will be decided through the European play-offs and two via the intercontinental play-offs.
 

When is the European play-off?

The European play-off will be held between March 26 and March 31, 2026. Sixteen teams will participate: the 12 runners-up from the group stage and four Nations League winners who did not qualify directly. This format ensures that competitive teams, which narrowly missed out, still have one last chance to reach the World Cup.

The teams have been divided into four pots:

   • Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine.

   • Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia.

   • Pot 3: Albania, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo.

   • Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia.

Each path will feature semifinals and a final, all played in single-leg matches, with only the winner advancing. With decisive games in such a short time frame, the pressure will be immense, and any mistake could cost a team its ticket to the World Cup.
 

Group stage draw for the 2026 World Cup

The draw for the group stage of the final tournament is scheduled for December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It will be there that Portugal and the other qualified teams will discover their opponents in the opening phase. This moment is always highly anticipated, as it defines each team’s path toward the dream of reaching the final.
 

Portugal’s road to the World Cup

Portugal secured direct qualification with a solid campaign and impressive victories, including against Armenia. Placed in Group F of the qualifiers, alongside Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, and Armenia, the national team confirmed its ticket early.

Now, with qualification guaranteed, the Portuguese squad can prepare calmly and with focus to face the challenges that the draw will bring. The goal is clear: to repeat the brilliance of 2016, but this time on the biggest stage in world soccer. With Cristiano Ronaldo inspiring a new generation and young talents emerging, Portugal arrives at the World Cup with renewed ambition.

The 2026 World Cup promises to be historic: more teams, more matches, and more excitement. With 42 teams already qualified and only six spots left, anticipation grows by the day. Portugal has its place secured and awaits the draw to find out who it will face in the group stage.

From June 11 to July 19, the eyes of the world will be on the USA, Mexico, and Canada, in a global celebration of soccer.