All 2026 World Cup participants have been determined: playoff results and group lineups
On the night of April 1, the qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially concluded.
Following the final matches of the European and intercontinental playoffs, the winners of the last six spots for the World Cup—to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—were determined.
The final participants in the tournament are the national teams of Turkey, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A total of 48 teams will compete in the final stage, a record number in World Cup history.
Unfortunately, the Ukrainian national team failed to qualify for the final stage.
The organizers note that “the Ukrainian national team could have been in Group F if it had first beaten Sweden and then the winner of the Poland-Albania match,” but the Swedish team proved to be stronger.
This championship will be historic for four national associations.
“For the first time, four national teams—Uzbekistan, Jordan, Curaçao, and Cape Verde—have qualified for the World Cup,” highlighting the expansion of global soccer’s reach thanks to the tournament’s new format.
All 48 teams were divided into 12 groups of four teams each.
The tournament hosts topped the first three groups: Mexico landed in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the U.S. team—which fans associate with the country where the U.S. president serves—topped Group D.
The battle for the world’s top trophy will begin on June 11 and run through July 19. The format includes a group stage, after which the top teams will advance to an expanded playoff bracket.
As a reminder, Ukraine’s youth national team defeated Hungary in the Euro 2027 qualifiers.
LeBron James tied the NBA’s all-time record for wins.
The FIFA president commented on Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.
FIFA unveiled the official poster for the 2026 World Cup featuring the three host countries.
FIFA will broadcast matches from the 2026 World Cup on YouTube.
