Pots + Draws and Group Stage
As we approach the 2026 World Cup, excitement builds with the introduction of a 48-team format. Qualifiers kick off this year, 2023. This video aims to project the teams that would qualify based on the current FIFA rankings. This projection is highly realistic since, in recent World Cups, around 90% of teams ranked in the top 32 have always qualified.
Allocation by Confederation:
- CONCACAF: 6 direct slots and 2 play-offs.
- CONMEBOL: 6 direct slots and 1 play-off.
- AFC (Asia): 8 direct slots and 1 play-off.
- CAF (Africa): 9 direct slots and 1 play-off.
- UEFA: 16 direct slots.
- OFC (Oceania): 1 direct slot and 1 play-off.
Play-off System Explained
Of the fixed slots, 46 teams would qualify directly. For the remaining two spots, six teams would compete in play-offs. The two highest-ranked teams wait, while the four lowest-ranked teams play against each other. The winners then face the top two, determining the last two World Cup spots.
Continent-wise Qualifications (Based on Current FIFA Rankings):
CONCACAF (6 + 2): With three host countries (Mexico, USA, Canada) already qualified, Costa Rica, Panama, and Jamaica make the cut, with El Salvador and Honduras heading to the play-offs.
CONMEBOL (6 + 1): Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Peru, and Chile would qualify directly, with Ecuador set for the play-offs.
AFC (8 + 1): Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, and UAE would qualify directly, with Oman heading for the play-offs.
CAF (9 + 1): Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Cameroon, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Mali, and Ivory Coast would qualify directly. Burkina Faso gets the play-off spot.
UEFA (16): France, Belgium, England, Netherlands, Croatia, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, Wales, and Serbia are the projected qualifiers. However, given recent performance dips, it’s believed that Norway might replace Wales.
OFC (1 + 1): New Zealand directly qualifies, while the Solomon Islands would head to the play-offs.
The last two spots from the play-offs are predicted to be taken by favorites, Ecuador and Honduras.
Group Stage Draw
The expected format divides the teams into 12 groups of four. Apart from the top two from each group, the best eight third-placed teams would also advance to the round of 32.
Host Cities
The 48 teams will compete across 16 confirmed cities: 11 in the US, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. Which team will land where is a matter of great excitement!
