Overview
- Tunisia clinched qualification on Sept. 8 with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, leading Africa’s Group H without conceding a goal.
- New Zealand secured Oceania’s guaranteed berth in March, the confederation’s first automatic World Cup spot under the expanded format.
- Morocco became Africa’s first qualifier on Sept. 5, adding to a growing list that already includes six Asian teams.
- Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay sealed places on Sept. 4 to join Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador from South America.
- The 2026 tournament features 48 teams with two final berths decided in March 2026 through a six-team intercontinental playoff.