Viktor Gyokeres scored a late winner as Sweden defeated Poland 3-2 to secure one of the final slots of the 2026 World Cup to be hosted in North America by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America. It is the first time we would see 48 teams in the World Cup Finals, and we need playoffs to finalize the last 6 spots in the Finals.

Italy missed out of yet another World Cup, losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after the game ended 1-1 after extra time. Bosnia & Herzegovina also needed penalties to knockout Wales in the previous round. Turkey progressed to the World Cup finals after 1-0 wins over Romania and Kosovo. Czech Republic progressed ahead of Denmark thanks to a 3-1 shootout victory after a 2-2 draw.

In the Intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, DR Congo pipped Jamaica 1-0 while Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1. Nigeria’s quest to have FIFA disqualify DR Congo fell through. The Super Eagles occupied themselves with friendly matches against Iran and Jordan with a 2-1 win and 2-2 draw respectively.

The qualified teams sorted by region

AFC
Australia
Iran
Iraq
Japan
Jordan (debut)
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Uzbekistan (debut)

CAF
Algeria
Cape Verde (debut)
DR Congo
Egypt
Ghana
Cote d’Ivoire
Morocco
Senegal
South Africa
Tunisia

CONCACAF
Canada
Curacao (debut)
Haiti
Mexico
Panama
United States of America

CONMEBOL
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
Paraguay
Uruguay

OFC
New Zealand

UEFA
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
Czech Republic
England
France
Germany
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Scotland
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey

Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Will Iran make it to the World cup?