The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the most expansive tournament in football history, featuring 48 teams for the first time – an increase from the traditional 32-team format. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament promises to showcase the world’s best football talent across North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
2026 FIFA World Cup Top Teams to Participate
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For the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, the Jordan Football Team and the Uzbekistan Football Team will make World Cup debuts. Some teams come with the strongest squad, while others bring the youngest squad to the tournaments.
The world’s best players sharing the same stage. Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Harry Kane, and other top experienced players represent the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s top teams.
As of September 2025, 17 teams have already secured their places in the tournament:
Host Nations (3)
- United States (automatic qualification)
- Canada (automatic qualification)
- Mexico (automatic qualification) – will become the first country to host/co-host the men’s World Cup three times
AFC – Asia (6)
- Japan – qualified March 20, 2025
- Iran – qualified March 25, 2025
- Australia – qualified June 10, 2025
- South Korea – qualified June 5, 2025
- Jordan – World Cup debut
- Uzbekistan – World Cup debut
CONMEBOL – South America (6)
- Argentina – defending champions
- Brazil – qualified June 10, 2025
- Ecuador – qualified June 10, 2025
- Uruguay – returns after missing 2022
- Colombia – returns after missing 2022
- Paraguay – returns after last appearing in 2010
OFC – Oceania (1)
- New Zealand – qualified March 24, 2025, first appearance since 2010
CAF – Africa (2)
- Morocco – first African nation to qualify
- Tunisia – qualified September 2025
Top Contenders to Favorites
According to betting odds and expert analysis, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Top Teams are
2026 FIFA World Cup Top Teams – Tier 1 Favorites
- Spain (+500 odds) – European champions with a revitalized squad led by Lamine Yamal and Pedri
- Argentina (+800 odds) – Defending champions, though questions remain about Messi’s participation at age 39
- France (+650 odds) – Reached the last two World Cup finals, led by Kylian Mbappé
Tier 2 Strong Contenders
- Brazil (+600 odds) – Under Carlo Ancelotti, seeking first title since 2002
- England (+700 odds) – Strong squad under Thomas Tuchel
- Portugal (+900 odds) – Cristiano Ronaldo’s likely final World Cup at age 41
- Germany (+1000 odds) – Showing signs of revival under Julian Nagelsmann
Dark Horses
- Netherlands (+1800 odds) – Euro 2024 semi-finalists with talented squad
- Italy (+2500 odds) – Four-time World Cup winners
- Morocco – Already qualified and Africa’s best hope
- Colombia – Impressive in South American qualifying
FIFA World Cup 2026 Key Tournament Features
Expanded Format Impact
The 48-team format provides unprecedented opportunities:
- 16 UEFA teams (up from 13)
- 9 CAF teams (up from 5)
- 8 AFC teams (up from 4.5)
- 6 CONCACAF teams (hosts take 3 spots)
- 6 CONMEBOL teams (unchanged)
- 1 OFC team (first guaranteed spot ever)
Qualification Status by Region
Europe (UEFA): Qualifying began in March 2025, with 12 group winners advancing directly and 4 additional spots through playoffs.
Africa Qualification (CAF): 9 group winners qualify directly, with 4 more spots through additional rounds.
Asia (AFC): First 6 teams qualified, with 2 more spots available through the fourth round of qualifying.
CONCACAF Qualification: Beyond the 3 hosts, 3 group winners from the ongoing third round will qualify directly.
South America Qualification – Top 6 teams have qualified – Argentina, Brazil and more
OFC Qualification – New Zealand has qualified, and one remaining team has also secured a spot in the playoffs.
Key highlights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Messi’s Last Dance: Argentina captain will be 39 during the tournament
- Ronaldo’s Final Bow: Portugal star expected to play his last World Cup at 41
- Spain’s Golden Generation 2.0: European champions with exciting young talent
- First-Time Participants: Jordan and Uzbekistan will make World Cup debuts
- Return Stories: Colombia and Uruguay back after missing 2022; New Zealand returns after 16 years
The tournament promises to be the most competitive World Cup ever, with the expanded format creating opportunities for traditional underdogs while maintaining the quality expected from football’s premier global competition.
