2026 FIFA World Cup: Full List of Nations That Have Qualified So Far

• Lionel Messi may feature in what could be his final international tournament when Argentina take part next year
• Eighteen teams have already punched their tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of September 6, 2025
• North African powerhouses hav become the first teams from Africa to book a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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The battle for places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is intensifying across Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Oceania, with 17countries already confirming their qualification.

At the previous edition in Qatar in 2022, Argentina lifted the trophy after edging France 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw in the final at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina headlines the list of nations already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, USA, and Mexico, with Morocco, Qatar 2022 semifinalists, sealing their spot on Friday after thrashing Niger.

Morocco qualify for World Cup 2026

According to the FIFA website, The Atlas Lions cruised past Niger with a resounding 5-0 victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on September 5.

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Ismael Saibari struck twice in the first half (29’, 38’), before Ayoub El Kaabi (50’), Hamza Igamane (69’), and Azzedine Ounahi (84’) added to the tally to complete the rout.

With Congo’s 1-1 draw against Tanzania paving the way for early qualification, a lively Rabat crowd spurred Morocco on to a sixth successive qualifiers victory, acording to the Guardian.

Building on their growing reputation on the world stage, the North African giants produced a historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals.

The Atlas Lions topped a group featuring Croatia, Belgium, and Canada, then eliminated heavyweights Spain (round of 16, on penalties) and Portugal (quarterfinals) before bowing out to defending champions France in the semis.

They eventually finished fourth after losing the third-place playoff to Croatia, but their spirited performances, defensive resilience, and passionate support left an enduring mark on the tournament.

Morocco, confirmed as co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain, will thus make their seventh appearance on football’s biggest stage at next year’s 2026 tournament.

The Atlas Lions, who captivated the world with their historic semifinal run in Qatar 2022, will aim to build on that remarkable achievement.

After Morocco, Tunisia have also qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Now, here are all the 17 teams that have secured their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far:

1. USA

2. Canada

3. Mexico

4. Argentina

5. Brazil

6. Japan

7. New Zealand

8. Uzbekistan

9. South Korea

10. Iran

11. Jordan

12. Australia

13. Ecuador

14. Paraguay

15. Colombia

16. Uruguay

17. Morocco

18. Tunisia

Iran’s World Cup outlook

YEN.com.gh earlier analyzed Iran’s chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in light of Donald Trump’s travel restrictions, which might affect their ability to enter the United States for the tournament.

The Iranians confirmed qualification on March 25 this year after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan, with star forward Mehdi Taremi netting both goals to seal their spot.

Source: YEN.com.gh