2026 World Cup: 30 Teams Already Confirmed as France, Norway Join the Party
At least 30 national teams have now secured their place in the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking one of the earliest waves of qualification in recent tournament history.
France became the latest heavyweight to book their ticket after a commanding 4-0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday night.
Superstar Kylian Mbappé led the charge with a brace, while Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike completed the demolition for Les Bleus.
Elsewhere in Europe, Norway’s 4-1 win over Estonia has practically sealed their qualification, pushing them firmly ahead of Italy in Group I and setting the stage for their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
The USA, Canada and Mexico—the 2026 co-hosts—automatically claimed their spots. Meanwhile, 27 other nations, including exciting debutants Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, have officially joined the lineup.
Below are the 30 countries already confirmed for the 2026 World Cup:
Qualified Countries So Far
AFC
Australia
Iran
Japan
Jordan (debut)
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Uzbekistan (debut)
CAF
Algeria
Cape Verde
Egypt
Ghana
Ivory Coast
Morocco
Senegal
South Africa
Tunisia
CONCACAF
Canada (co-host)
Mexico (co-host)
United States (co-host)
CONMEBOL
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
Paraguay
Uruguay
OFC
New Zealand
UEFA
England
France
Norway
Opinion: A World Cup That Already Feels Different — And Better
With 30 teams already locked in, this World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most diverse and unpredictable in history.
The presence of debutants like Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan signals a refreshing shift in global football. These nations may not be traditional giants, but they bring new stories, new dreams, and new motivations—something the tournament desperately needs in an era where powerhouse nations usually dominate headlines.
France’s qualification was expected, almost routine. Mbappé’s brilliance continues to be a reminder that they remain strong contenders. But it’s Norway’s resurgence that sparks curiosity—could this be the moment when Erling Haaland finally steps onto football’s biggest stage and shakes up the order?
CAF’s lineup also feels particularly strong this year. With teams like Senegal, Morocco, Ghana, and Egypt, Africa might finally be looking at a tournament where the “dark horse” tags are no longer enough—they could genuinely challenge for the semifinals or beyond.
What stands out the most is the global spread of talent. The 2026 World Cup won’t just be a battle of giants; it will be a festival of nations hungry to prove themselves.
From traditional powerhouses to rising football nations, the stage is almost set—
and if the qualification phase is anything to go by, the tournament might just deliver the most exciting football we’ve seen in years.
