Full List of Countries Qualified for the 2026 World Cup as Total Reaches 34

Oska2 weeks ago

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Iran’s football team officials have been stopped from entering the United States before the 2026 World Cup draw. The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has a new political problem. The U.S. has reportedly refused visas to Iran’s football leaders ahead of the official draw for the tournament. The World Cup will be held by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The group draw is planned for 5 December 2025 in Washington D.C. This draw will decide the matches for the 48 teams, making it the biggest World Cup ever. Iranian officials blocked Reports say that senior Iranian football officials, including federation president Mehdi Taj and national coach Amir Ghalenoei, were refused visas to enter the U.S. Seven other officials were also denied. Amir-Mehdi Alavi, a spokesman for the Iranian Football Federation (FFI), told reporters about the blocked officials. The FFI has asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to help reverse the decision. Political problems The U.S. and Iran have had difficult relations for many years. Visa rules for Iranians became stricter under former U.S. President Donald Trump. Experts say this visa ban is more about politics than football. Earlier this year, some thought Iran might not be allowed to play in the World Cup because of U.S. entry rules, but FIFA says all qualified teams will be allowed. Other issues before the World Cup This problem is one of several political issues before the World Cup. Recently, former President Trump said the U.S. would stop any attempt to ban Israel from the tournament. This caused arguments in football communities worldwide. With most host cities in the U.S., the country’s visa rules could affect how players, officials, and fans from some nations take part in the event.

At least 34 countries have now secured their places at the 2026 World Cup, as the qualification process continues to take shape across the globe.

Germany and the Netherlands became the latest nations to book their spots on Monday night after convincing wins in their qualifying matches. Germany delivered a dominant performance, sweeping aside Slovakia with a 6–0 victory at the Red Bull Arena. The result ensured their place at next year’s expanded tournament.

The Netherlands followed suit with a comfortable 4–0 win over Lithuania, confirming their qualification as well.

The upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, will be the largest in history. The competition is expanding from 32 teams to 48, opening the door for more nations to take part on football’s biggest stage.

So far, the confirmed qualifiers represent every footballing region, although places are still up for grabs as the final rounds of qualifying continue.

Confirmed teams for the 2026 World Cup:

Hosts:
Canada, Mexico, United States

Asia:
Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan

Africa:
Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

Concacaf:
None yet

Europe:
Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal

Oceania:
New Zealand

South America:
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay

More teams are expected to join the list in the coming weeks as qualifiers around the world reach their final stages.

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