Cape Verde’s qualification from Group H was the largest CAF shock — they defeat numerous larger-ranked opponents and go into Team E towards Spain as sizeable underdogs, although not without having genuine menace within the counter.
Third spherical: eighteen teams which Superior from the second spherical were being divided into 3 groups of 6 groups.
4 European nations secured the ultimate places for his or her confederation by profitable their respective Perform-off paths:
As anticipation builds, preparations are underway during the host metropolitan areas to make certain a memorable working experience for players and fans alike. The 2026 World Cup is predicted to leave an enduring legacy in North The united states, advertising the Activity and inspiring long term generations of footballers.
Sad to say, your browser isn't supported. You should obtain one particular of these browsers for the best expertise on usatoday.com
Qatar’s automated host qualification Even with finishing very last in Team B highlights the structural edge hosts receive — but history demonstrates host nations typically exceed their standings-primarily based anticipations after the Event starts.
Beneath you’ll obtain each and every verified qualification desk, final group standings, and what Each individual place intended for groups trying to reach the Match during the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The teams played against one another the moment in the centralized venue. The winners of each and every team competent for your World Cup, and also the runners-up of each and every team Innovative towards the fifth spherical.
Italy skipped out right after being defeated in the eu playoff remaining by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, turning into the 1st previous champion to overlook out on a few consecutive World Cups.[22] Similar to read more 2018 and 2022, Italy was the one previous winner that did not qualify.
Knockout matches cannot complete amount. If the rating is tied just after ninety minutes, two 15-minute durations of extra time are performed. Should the match remains tied immediately after overtime, it goes to your penalty shootout to choose which group advances.
A knockout structure through which Every team in a very round performed a single other team about two legs – when at home and the moment away.
On this new expanded World Cup structure — The very first time in history there are actually forty eight groups — the very best two groups in Each and every team qualify for your Spherical of 32 knockout stage mechanically, although the 8-greatest 3rd-location groups will join them in the last 32.
The qualification stage for your 2026 FIFA World Cup has sent drama, historic achievements, and unforgettable moments throughout all 6 confederations. From Lionel Messi’s continued brilliance major Argentina to 1st area in CONMEBOL, to Curaçao’s fairy-tale qualification as being the smallest nation ever, to Japan’s clinical excellence as the very first team to qualify, the road to North The us has long been crammed with persuasive narratives.
The 2026 World Cup marked The 1st time OFC was granted one guaranteed slot, in addition to a probable next slot by using the inter-confederation Participate in-offs.