World Cup 2026 Qualification Round-Up: Who's Through, Who's Out, Who's Fighting

As the qualification rounds for the 2026 World Cup conclude, a total of 36 teams have secured their spots in the Round of 32. Conversely, 15 teams have been eliminated from contention, leaving 4 teams that are uncertain regarding their fate as qualification is now complete.

Among the confirmed qualifiers, the following teams have advanced: Mexico (9 pts), South Africa (4 pts), Switzerland (7 pts), Canada (4 pts), Bosnia & Herzegovina (4 pts), Brazil (7 pts), Morocco (7 pts), USA (6 pts), Australia (4 pts), Paraguay (4 pts), Germany (6 pts), Ivory Coast (6 pts), Ecuador (4 pts), Netherlands (7 pts), Japan (5 pts), Sweden (4 pts), Belgium (5 pts), Egypt (5 pts), Spain (7 pts), Cape Verde Islands (3 pts), France (9 pts), Norway (6 pts), Senegal (3 pts), Argentina (9 pts), Austria (4 pts), Algeria (4 pts), Colombia (7 pts), Portugal (5 pts), Congo DR (4 pts), England (7 pts), Croatia (6 pts), and Ghana (4 pts). These teams emerged successful in their respective groups or stages.

The closest qualification races were primarily seen in Groups A and D, where multiple teams finished with minimal point differences. In Group A, South Africa with 4 points qualified alongside Mexico, while South Korea (3 pts) and Czechia (1 pt) were eliminated. Group D displayed a similar scenario with the USA (6 pts), Australia (4 pts), and Paraguay (4 pts) all qualifying and leaving Türkiye (3 pts) out of the contention. Group L also highlighted 3 qualified teams with 4-6 points, making it competitive but securing spots for England, Croatia, and Ghana.

Eliminated teams include South Korea (3 pts), Czechia (1 pt), Qatar (1 pt), Haiti (0 pts), Tunisia (0 pts), Iran (3 pts), New Zealand (1 pt), Uruguay (2 pts), Saudi Arabia (2 pts), and Iraq (0 pts). Notably, these teams finished at the bottom of their respective groups with insufficient points to continue in the tournament.

With qualification determined, there are no remaining matches to be played that would affect standings; all groups have concluded their matches. Consequently, the teams previously highlighted as contenders are officially set for the Round of 32, with those eliminated acknowledging their exit from the tournament. The qualification rounds have thus drawn to a close, revealing the teams that will vie for the ultimate prize later this year.