The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has entered its final stages as the tournament finalises its 48-team roster. Over the past two days, the last qualification play-offs concluded, determining the remaining six participants in the expanded tournament.
The most historic story comes from Iraq, which claimed the final spot in the tournament by defeating Bolivia 2–1. This marks Iraq’s return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence, making them the first Asian team to reach the event through the intercontinental play-offs.
Earlier on Tuesday, European and North American play-offs produced five additional qualifiers: Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Sweden, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Among the notable teams missing out is four-time world champion Italy, who have now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups—a dramatic fall for a football powerhouse.
Italy’s elimination came after a tense penalty shootout against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The match had ended 1–1 in regulation, with Italy conceding an equaliser in the second half. Extra time failed to produce a winner, and in the ensuing penalties, Bosnia converted early while Italy missed crucial attempts, ultimately losing 4–1.
Other notable qualifiers include Sweden, who overcame Poland 3–2, and Turkey, who secured a World Cup spot for the first time in 24 years by defeating Kosovo 1–0. The Czech Republic returned to the World Cup after a 20-year absence, overcoming Denmark 3–1 in penalties following a 2–2 draw. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also made a long-awaited return, defeating Jamaica 1–0 to qualify for the first time in 52 years.
The 2026 edition, running from 11 June to 19 July, will feature 48 nations competing in a record 104 matches, the largest World Cup in history.
World Cup 2026 Groups
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Czech Republic, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea |
| B | Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Qatar, Switzerland |
| C | Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, Scotland |
| D | Australia, Paraguay, Turkey, United States |
| E | Germany, Curaçao, Ecuador, Ivory Coast |
| F | Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia |
| G | Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand |
| H | Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde |
| I | France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq |
| J | Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan |
| K | Portugal, Colombia, Jamaica, Uzbekistan |
| L | England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama |
Iraq will open their campaign against Norway on 16 June in Foxborough. Other key opening matches include Sweden versus the Netherlands, Turkey facing Australia, and the Czech Republic playing hosts Mexico. With 48 nations competing for global supremacy, the tournament promises an unprecedented spectacle of football.
