Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 World Cup Qualification

The countdown to the next football World Cup has already begun and promises to bring you moments of tension and suspense, as no one wants to be left out of the planet's biggest sporting event.

Where will the 2026 World Cup be?

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

For Mexico, which has already hosted two historic World Cups (1970 and 1986), and for the USA, hosts in 1994, this will be nothing new. Canada, however, is making its debut in organizing a men's World Cup. This unprecedented combination of three hosts promises a tournament marked by cultural diversity and logistical grandeur.

The tournament will take place between June 11 and July 19, 2026, and will feature, for the first time, 48 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 competition gains even more excitement, as more countries will have the opportunity to shine on football'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 football.

• United States: AT&T Stadium (Dallas, 93k), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, 76k), NRG Stadium (Houston, 72k), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, 75k), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles, 70k), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, 69k), Lumen Field (Seattle, 69k), Levi's Stadium (San Francisco, 68.5k), Gillette Stadium (Boston, 65.8k), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, 64.7k).
• Mexico: Azteca Stadium (Mexico City, 88k – opening match), Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, 53.5k), Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, 48.8k).
• Canada: BMO Field (Toronto, 45.7k), BC Place (Vancouver, 54.5k).

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

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, the European and South American giants stand out: Germany, England, France, Croatia, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, and Portugal, in addition to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, USA, and Canada (the latter three as hosts). This initial set confirms that the main favorites have already secured their place, but there is still room for surprises.

Only six spots remain: four will be awarded through the European play-offs and two via the intercontinental play-offs. Thus, the qualification phase still holds moments of great suspense before the final draw.

When are the European play-offs?

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

The teams were divided into four pots:

• Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine.
• Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czechia, Slovakia.
• Pot 3: Albania, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo.
• Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia.

Each path will feature single-leg semi-finals and a final, with only the winner qualifying. With decisive matches in such a short space of time, the pressure will be at its peak and any mistake could cost a ticket to the World Cup.

World Cup 2026 group stage draw

The group stage draw for the finals is scheduled for December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington. It will be then that Portugal and the remaining teams learn who their opponents will be in the opening phase. This moment is always awaited with anxiety, as it defines each team's path toward the dream of the final.

Portugal's path

Portugal secured direct qualification with a solid campaign and expressive wins, including against Armenia. Placed in Group F of the qualifiers along with Hungary, Republic of Ireland, and Armenia, the National Team confirmed its ticket to the World Cup early on. Now, with qualification assured, the "Equipa das Quinas" can prepare calmly and focus on facing the challenges the draw will bring.

The goal is clear: to repeat the brilliance of 2016, but this time on the world's biggest football stage. 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 games, and more excitement. With 42 teams already qualified and only six spots remaining, expectation grows every day. Portugal already has its place guaranteed 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 football.