CONCACAF, CAF, UEFA Begin Staggered 2026 World Cup Qualifying Campaigns

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, who automatically qualify, while the qualification process across confederations has been uniquely structured due to the expanded 48-team format. CONCACAF has eliminated the Hexagonal and Octagonal rounds in favor of a multi-stage qualification involving a preliminary playoff, group stages, and inter-confederation playoffs to decide up to five additional spots alongside the hosts. UEFA has organized its qualification into twelve groups with group winners qualifying directly and runners-up entering playoffs; notable groups include England’s and Norway’s challenging paths. CAF will see a record nine teams qualify with a nine-group format and playoffs for the best runners-up to secure a possible tenth spot, featuring many star players from African nations. CONMEBOL, AFC, and OFC qualification are also underway, with Argentina defending its title and Japan and New Zealand securing their spots respectively. The comprehensive qualification campaigns across all confederations are unfolding with schedules, match results, and standings being tracked as the road to the 2026 World Cup progresses.