November Matches Crucial for World Cup 2026 Qualification

The qualification pathway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering a critical phase. Out of the total 48 available spots, 29 have been secured, with many teams still in contention. This upcoming November international window is key for determining which nations will join the tournament, particularly for European teams looking to secure their places.

Confirmed Teams for the 2026 World Cup

This edition of the World Cup will set a record with 48 teams participating instead of the usual 32, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, who qualify automatically as hosts.

From Asia, eight teams have confirmed their participation: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
In Africa, nine nations are set: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
Two teams from Europe, England and France, have earned their spots.
New Zealand is the sole qualifier from Oceania.
In South America, the six teams include Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
No teams from North and Central America (Concacaf) have qualified yet, aside from the hosts.

Potential Qualifiers This November

The upcoming matches in November will be decisive as several teams have the chance to confirm their World Cup participation.

Austria: They can qualify for the first time since 1998 with a win over Cyprus on November 15, coupled with a loss for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Romania.

Belgium: Victory against Kazakhstan on November 15 would see them qualify for their fourth successive World Cup.

Honduras: A win over Nicaragua on November 13 is necessary for qualification, alongside a draw in the Costa Rica vs. Haiti match.

Jamaica: They seek a return to the World Cup after their last participation in 1998, needing to defeat Trinidad and Tobago on November 13, with Bermuda also required to beat Curaçao.

Netherlands: A win against Poland on November 14 guarantees their spot after missing out in 2002 and 2018 but finishing as runners-up in 2010 and third in 2014.

Norway: A win or draw against Estonia on November 13 will secure their place, provided Moldova defeats Italy. Star player Erling Haaland hopes to make his World Cup debut.

Portugal: A win over Ireland on November 13 will qualify them; even a draw might suffice if Armenia draws against Hungary, potentially leading to Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance.

Spain: A victory against Georgia on November 15 is essential, alongside a failure of Türkiye to win against Bulgaria.

Switzerland: They can secure qualification with either a win or draw against Sweden on November 15 but will need outcomes in Slovenia’s favor: a win means Kosovo cannot beat Slovenia, while a draw requires Kosovo to lose.

Distribution of World Cup Spots by Region

FIFA allocates the 48 World Cup spots as follows:

• Hosts (3): Canada, Mexico, USA

• Asia (8 places): Filled; one team enters an intercontinental playoff

• Africa (9 places): Group winners qualify; best runners-up enter playoffs

• Concacaf (3 places): Group winners qualify; runners-up go to playoffs

• Europe (16 places): Group winners qualify; others go to playoffs in March 2026

• Oceania (1 place): New Zealand qualified

• South America (6 places): All spots filled; Bolivia goes to playoff

• Intercontinental playoff (2 places): Set for March 2026 in Mexico