Mumbai, March 26: The 2026 World Cup will have a record 48 teams, and defending champion Argentina became the first South American team to secure a spot. Iran also clinched a berth. New Zealand qualified on Monday, five days after Japan became the first nation excluding the three hosts to secure a spot. Next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off on June 11 and the final will take place on July 19. Argentina National Football Team Beats Brazil 4–1 After Securing Its Place at FIFA World Cup 2026.

Forty-three teams will get their spots through their continent's qualifying process. Another two will secure their berths in the international playoffs featuring six teams and scheduled for March 2026.

What is the breakdown of berths?

Asia will have eight direct berths and one in the intercontinental playoff. Africa has nine direct spots plus one for the intercontinental playoff. North and Central America plus the Caribbean get three direct berths and another two spots in the intercontinental playoffs. Iran National Football Team Qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026 After 2–2 Draw Against Uzbekistan.

South America has six direct spots and will send another team to the intercontinental playoffs. Oceania for the first time has a guaranteed spot at the World Cup, and New Zealand clinched that with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in Auckland. It could add another with New Caledonia going into the intercontinental playoffs. Europe will have 16 teams sure to play in the next World Cup.

Who has qualified so far?

The three host countries automatically qualify — and thus occupy three of the CONCACAF spots

Host nations: United States, Mexico, Canada

Asia: Japan (qualified on March 20 by beating Bahrain 2-0)

Iran (qualified on March 25 in 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan)

Oceania: New Zealand (qualified on March 24 by beating New Caledonia 3-0)

South America: Argentina (qualified on March 25 after Bolivia failed to beat Uruguay).

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)