2026 FIFA World Cup qualification#Tiebreakers

On 30 March 2017, the Bureau of the FIFA Council (composed of the FIFA president and the presidents of each of the six confederations) proposed a slot allocation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The recommendation was submitted for the ratification by the FIFA Council.{{Cite web |date=30 March 2017 |title=Bureau of the Council recommends slot allocation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup |url=https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/organisation/media-releases/bureau-of-the-council-recommends-slot-allocation-for-the-2026-fifa-wor-2878254 |access-date=5 August 2022 |publisher=FIFA |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619161123/https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/organisation/media-releases/bureau-of-the-council-recommends-slot-allocation-for-the-2026-fifa-wor-2878254 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=30 March 2017 |title=World Cup 2026: Fifa reveals allocation for 48-team tournament |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39448474 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330224520/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39448474 |archive-date=30 March 2017 |publisher=BBC}}

On 9 May 2017, two days before the 67th FIFA Congress, the FIFA Council approved the slot allocation in a meeting in Manama, Bahrain. This includes an intercontinental play-off tournament involving six teams to decide the last two FIFA World Cup spots.{{Cite web |date=9 May 2017 |title=FIFA Council prepares Congress, takes key decisions for the future of the FIFA World Cup |url=https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2017/m=5/news=fifa-council-prepares-congress-takes-key-decisions-for-the-future-of-t-2883353.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618072825/http://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y%3D2017/m%3D5/news%3Dfifa-council-prepares-congress-takes-key-decisions-for-the-future-of-t-2883353.html |archive-date=18 June 2017 |publisher=FIFA}}

The ratification of slot allocation also gives the OFC a guaranteed berth in the final tournament for the first time in FIFA World Cup history: the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first tournament in which all six confederations have at least one guaranteed berth.

File:2026 world cup qualification map.svg

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Notes

{{notelist}}

On 9 May 2017, the FIFA Council approved the slot allocation scheme for the new 48-team final format.

{{notelist}}

Russia were suspended indefinitely on 28 February 2022 from participating in UEFA and FIFA competitions due to the country's invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0272-148df1faf082-6e50b5ea1f84-1000/ |title=FIFA/UEFA suspend Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions |website=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=28 February 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022}} A circular distributed by UEFA on 11 November 2024 stated 192 group stage matches would take place, confirming Russia's exclusion from the tournament.{{cite press release |url=https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/0293-1c5125be64ae-d60c2c5c218e-1000/20241111_circular_2024_64_en.zip |title=Draw procedure for the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 knockout stage and play-off draw – Fixture list procedure for the European Qualifiers 2024–26 |publisher=UEFA |first=Theodore |last=Theodoridis |date=11 November 2024 |access-date=15 November 2024}}

Eritrea withdrew from qualification prior to playing any matches, due to concerns that players would seek political asylum if allowed to travel overseas.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/nov/13/eritrea-withdrew-from-2026-world-cup-qualifying-over-fears-players-will-flee|title=Eritrea withdrew from 2026 World Cup qualifying 'over fears players will flee'|website=The Guardian|date=14 November 2023|accessdate=3 January 2024}}{{cite web |title=Eritrea withdraw from FIFA World Cup qualifiers|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/eritrea-withdraw-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers |website=FIFA |access-date=10 November 2023}}

Congo were suspended on 6 February 2025 due to government interference in Congolese Football Federation operations.{{cite magazine |url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/49a18836a3532246/original/Circular-1922_Suspension-of-the-Congolese-Football-Association-FECOFOOT.pdf |title=Suspension of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) from 6 February 2025 until further notice |magazine=FIFA Circular |issue=1922 |date=6 February 2025 |access-date=8 February 2025}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/fifa-suspends-congo-republic-pakistan-2025-02-07/#:~:text=Feb%207%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20FIFA,governing%20body%20said%20on%20Thursday. |title=FIFA suspends Congo Republic and Pakistan |publisher=Reuters |date=7 February 2025 |access-date=8 February 2025}} No announcement regarding their status was immediately available, and CAF initially cancelled their remaining matches.{{cite web |title=Schedule & Results |url=https://www.cafonline.com/fifa-world-cup/schedule-results/ |website=CAFonline.com |publisher=CAF |access-date=16 March 2025}} However, Tanzania and Zambia were later awarded 3–0 victories by forfeit.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/qualifiers/caf/scores-fixtures |title=Scores & Fixtures |publisher=FIFA}} The suspension was lifted by FIFA on 14 May 2025.{{Cite magazine | url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/3a3f494faf675682/original/Circular-1933_Lifting-of-the-suspension-of-the-Congolese-Football-Association.pdf |title=Lifting of the suspension of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) |magazine=FIFA Circular |issue=1933 |date=14 May 2025 |access-date=15 May 2025}}

Each confederation is responsible for its own qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats (Regulations Article 11.3):{{cite web| url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/18d857c3ec3e64f8/original/FIFA-World-Cup-2026-Preliminary-Competition_EN.pdf |title=Regulations: FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition |publisher=FIFA |date=June 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023}}

• A double round-robin (or "league") format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
• A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing associations.
• A knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs – once at home and once away.
• With FIFA's permission, a tournament held in one of the participating nations or in neutral territory.
• With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.

In the round-robin and tournament formats, the tiebreaker criteria are as follows (Regulations Article 11.5):

{{olist

| Greatest number of points obtained in all group matches (3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss)

| Greatest goal differential in all group matches

| Most goals scored in all group matches}}

Should two or more teams still have equal rank after criteria 1–3 are applied, then the following criteria are used:

{{olist | start=4

| Greatest number of points obtained in all matches amongst the concerned teams

| Greatest goal differential in all matches amongst the concerned teams

| Most goals scored in all matches amongst the concerned teams

| Most goals scored away from home in all matches amongst the concerned teams

| The best team conduct score using the following table:

{{olist | type=lower-alpha

| First yellow card: –1 point

| Second yellow card/indirect red card: –3 points

| Direct red card: –4 points

| Yellow card and direct red card: –5 points}}

Only one score will be applied to any player or team official in any match, e.g. a player who receives a second yellow card will only have –3 points applied and not –4 (–1 for the first and –3 for the second).

| Drawing of lots by FIFA}}

If the tournament is being held in a single host nation or in neutral territory, then criterion 7 will not be applied (Regulations Article 11.6).

In the home-and-away knockout format, the team scoring more goals on aggregate wins the tie and advances. If the aggregate score is level, then 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If the score is still level at the end of extra time, the away goals rule will not be applied and the winners will be decided by a penalty shoot-out (Regulations Article 11.9). In the {{nowrap|single-leg}} knockout format, the team scoring more goals in a single match wins and advances. If the teams are tied after regulation, then extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shoot-out if the score is still level (Regulations Article 11.10).

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)}}

On 1 August 2022, the Asian Football Confederation Executive Committee approved the qualification format for Asia's road to the 2026 World Cup, as well as the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, in preparation for the eight direct spots and the single intercontinental {{nowrap|play-off}} slot allocated to the AFC by FIFA following the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams.{{cite news|url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/afc_competitions/news/asia%E2%80%99s_pathway_to_the_fifa_world_cup_2026_and_afc_asian_cup%E2%84%A2_2027_confirmed.html|title=Asia's pathway to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 confirmed|work=AFC|date=1 August 2022|access-date=1 August 2022|archive-date=4 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804153836/https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/afc_competitions/news/asia%E2%80%99s_pathway_to_the_fifa_world_cup_2026_and_afc_asian_cup%E2%84%A2_2027_confirmed.html|url-status=live}} The draw for the first round was held on 27 July 2023 at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.{{cite web|date=5 July 2023|title=Stage set for FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers draw|url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/news/stage_set_for_fifa_world_cup_2026_and_afc_asian_cup_saudi_arabia_2027%E2%84%A2_qualifiers_draw.html|access-date=5 July 2023|publisher=AFC}} The draw for the second round took place two hours later.

The qualification structure is as follows:

• First round: Twenty teams (ranked 27–46) played {{nowrap|home-and-away}} over two legs.{{cite web |title=Seedings revealed for FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers draw |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/news/seedings_revealed_for_fifa_world_cup_2026_and_afc_asian_cup_saudi_arabia_2027%E2%84%A2_qualifiers_draw.html |website=Asian Football Confederation |access-date=27 July 2023 |date=25 July 2023}} The ten winners advanced to the second round.
• Second round: Thirty-six teams (those ranked 1–26 and the ten {{nowrap|first-round}} winners) were divided into nine groups of four teams to play {{nowrap|home-and-away}} Round-robin tournament matches. The eighteen group winners and group {{nowrap|runners-up}} advanced to the third round.
• Third round: The eighteen teams that advanced from the second round were divided into three groups of six teams to play {{nowrap|home-and-away}} {{nowrap|round-robin}} matches. The top two teams of each group qualified for the World Cup, while the {{nowrap|third-placed}} and {{nowrap|fourth-placed}} teams of each group advanced to the fourth round.
• Fourth round: The six teams that advanced from the third round will be divided into two groups of three teams each to play a single {{nowrap|round-robin}}. The winners will qualify for the World Cup, and the runners-up will advance to the fifth round.
• Fifth round: The fourth round group runners-up will compete in a two-legged {{nowrap|play-off}} tie to determine the Asian representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (inter-confederation play-offs).

Sri Lanka were suspended in January 2023{{cite magazine |url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/5d07bb14cb642349/original/Circular-1831_Suspension-FFSL_EN.pdf |title=Suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) from 21 January 2023 until further notice |magazine=FIFA Circular |issue=1831 |date=22 January 2023 |access-date=1 July 2023}} and they did not appear in the draw information the AFC released in early July.{{cite web |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/news/stage_set_for_fifa_world_cup_2026_and_afc_asian_cup_saudi_arabia_2027%E2%84%A2_qualifiers_draw.html |title=Stage set for FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers draw |publisher=AFC |date=5 July 2023 |access-date=5 July 2023}} However, they were re-added with the condition that their federation hold elections at least ten days before qualification starts.{{cite news|title=SL included in FIFA World Cup qualifying draw on strict conditions|website=Ceylon Today|url=https://ceylontoday.lk/2023/07/28/sl-included-in-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-draw-on-strict-conditions/|date=28 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023}}

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC third round}}

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)}}

The CAF Executive Committee announced a new African qualification format on 19 May 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/caf-executive-committee-approves-fifa-world-cup-2026-qualifiers-calendar-and-ann |title=CAF Executive Committee approves FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers calendar and announces TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023 Final Draw date |publisher=CAF |date=19 May 2023 |access-date=19 May 2023 |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601162638/https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/caf-executive-committee-approves-fifa-world-cup-2026-qualifiers-calendar-and-ann |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/caf-reveals-new-format-for-2026-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers |title=CAF reveals new format for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers |publisher=CAF |date=19 May 2023 |access-date=19 May 2023 |archive-date=26 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526163253/https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/caf-reveals-new-format-for-2026-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers |url-status=live }}

The draw was held on 13 July 2023 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.{{cite web |url=https://panafricafootball.com/learn-all-about-2026-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-in-the-caf-region-and-the-seeds/ |title=Learn all about 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying in the CAF region and the seeds |first=Andrew |last=Olsson |website=Pan-Africa Football |date=4 July 2023 |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001141031/https://panafricafootball.com/learn-all-about-2026-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-in-the-caf-region-and-the-seeds/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |date=11 July 2023 |title=FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers Official Draw on 13 July |url=https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/fifa-world-cup-2026tm-african-qualifiers-official-draw-on-13-july |access-date=11 July 2023 |website=cafonline |publisher=CAF}} All 54 FIFA-affiliated football associations from CAF entered qualification. However, Eritrea withdrew before matches began.{{cite web |title=Eritrea Pull Out Of 2026 World Cup Qualifier |url=http://dehai.org/dehai/dehai-news/494254 |website=Dehai News |access-date=9 November 2023}} Congo were suspended on 6 February 2025 due to government interference and their remaining matches were cancelled before their suspension was reversed allowing them to play their matches in September and October. No announcement has yet been made on how Eritrea's withdrawal will affect the ranking of second-placed teams.

The qualification structure is as follows:

• First round: Teams were drawn into nine groups of six teams to play home-and-away round-robin matches. The winner of each group will qualify for the World Cup.
• Second round: The four best-ranked group runners-up will participate in a play-off to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

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Neither CAF nor FIFA have made an official announcement on how Eritrea's withdrawal will affect the rankings of the group runners-up.

{{2026 FIFA World Cup qualification - CAF group tables|Runners-up|only_pld_pts=y|stack_footer=y|title=Ranking of runners-up}}

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONCACAF)}}

Three nations in CONCACAF—Canada, Mexico and the United States—automatically qualified as host nations. On 28 February 2023, CONCACAF announced the qualifying format for 2026 World Cup qualification.{{cite web |url=https://www.concacaf.com/news/concacaf-announces-formats-for-men-s-national-team-competitions-for-the-2023-2026-cycle/ |title=CONCACAF announces formats for men's national team competitions for the 2023-2026 cycle |publisher=CONCACAF |date=28 February 2023 |access-date=28 February 2023 |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228191449/https://www.concacaf.com/news/concacaf-announces-formats-for-men-s-national-team-competitions-for-the-2023-2026-cycle/ |url-status=live}}

• First round: Four CONCACAF teams, ranked 29 to 32 based on the FIFA ranking of December 2023, were divided into two matchups to be played on a Two-legged tie {{nowrap|home-and-away}} basis. The two winners advanced to the second round.
• Second round: Thirty teams – the two winners from the first round and CONCACAF teams ranked 1 to 28 based on the FIFA ranking of December 2023 – were drawn into six groups of five teams. They played single round-robin tournament matches (two home and two away), with group winners and {{nowrap|runners-up}} advancing to the third round.
• Third round: The twelve teams that advanced from the second round were drawn into three groups of four teams. They will play double round-robin home-and-away matches, with the three group winners qualifying for the World Cup. The two {{nowrap|best-ranked}} {{nowrap|runners-up}} will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (inter-confederation play-offs).

{{main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF third round}}

{{:2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF third round|transcludesection=2nd place|only_pld_pts=y|show_matches=n|stack_footer=y|title=Ranking of runners-up}}

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)}}

On 22 August 2022, CONMEBOL petitioned FIFA to keep the qualification format which had been used since the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification, where all CONMEBOL members play {{nowrap|home-and-away}} round-robin tournament matches against each other.{{cite web|title=Conselho da Conmebol solicita à Fifa que mantenha formato atual das Eliminatórias para 2026|url=https://ge.globo.com/futebol/copa-do-mundo/eliminatorias-america-do-sul/noticia/2022/08/22/conselho-da-conmebol-solicita-a-fifa-que-mantenha-formato-atual-das-eliminatorias-para-2026.ghtml|language=pt|date=22 August 2022|website=O Globo|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=23 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823100439/https://ge.globo.com/futebol/copa-do-mundo/eliminatorias-america-do-sul/noticia/2022/08/22/conselho-da-conmebol-solicita-a-fifa-que-mantenha-formato-atual-das-eliminatorias-para-2026.ghtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=CONMEBOL's petition for the 2026 World Cup that could change FIFA's entire plans|url=https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/conmebol-petition-for-the-2026-world-cup-that-could-change-fifa-entire-plans-20220822-0039.html|date=22 August 2022|website=Bolavip|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=3 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903205932/https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/conmebol-petition-for-the-2026-world-cup-that-could-change-fifa-entire-plans-20220822-0039.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=1 September 2022 |title=CONCACAF learn the number of qualification places for 2026 World Cup |url=https://www.marca.com/en/world-cup/2022/09/01/63110d9f46163fb14f8b458e.html |access-date=8 September 2022 |website=MARCA |language=en |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908134828/https://www.marca.com/en/world-cup/2022/09/01/63110d9f46163fb14f8b458e.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Países sudamericanos pedirán a la FIFA mantener el formato de las Eliminatorias|url=https://www.conmebol.com/noticias/paises-sudamericanos-pediran-a-la-fifa-mantener-el-formato-de-las-eliminatorias/|language=es|date=22 August 2022|publisher=CONMEBOL|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=3 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903055033/https://www.conmebol.com/noticias/paises-sudamericanos-pediran-a-la-fifa-mantener-el-formato-de-las-eliminatorias/|url-status=live}} This was approved, with the first games of the qualifiers played in September 2023.{{cite web|url=https://bolavip.com/pe/seleccionperuana/Seleccion-Peruana-se-confirmo-fecha-y-formato-Eliminatorias-Sudamericanas-2026-mundial--20221001-0010.html|title=Conmebol confirmó fecha para el inicio de las Eliminatorias 2026|language=es|date=4 October 2022|website=Bolavip|access-date=16 October 2022|archive-date=16 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016102441/https://bolavip.com/pe/seleccionperuana/Seleccion-Peruana-se-confirmo-fecha-y-formato-Eliminatorias-Sudamericanas-2026-mundial--20221001-0010.html|url-status=live}}

Before the qualification competition began, Ecuador were penalized 3 points for falsifying birth documents for Byron Castillo in the previous World Cup qualification cycle.{{cite web |url=https://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/CAS_Media_Release_9175_9176_Decision.pdf |title=The CAS confirms the eligibility of the player Byron Castillo (Ecuador) but imposes sanctions against the Ecuadorian Football Federation for a violation of the FIFA regulations |work=Court of Arbitration for Sport |date=8 November 2022 |access-date=12 December 2022 |archive-date=3 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203052908/https://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/CAS_Media_Release_9175_9176_Decision.pdf |url-status=live}}

{{2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONMEBOL table|only_pld_pts=y|stack_footer=y|show_matches=n}}

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC)}}

2026 marks the first time OFC will be granted one guaranteed slot in the World Cup, as well as a possible second slot via the inter-confederation play-offs.

The qualification structure is as follows:{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/news/journey-to-historic-fifa-world-cup-2026-tm-kicks-off-in-south-america |title=Journey to historic FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in South America |publisher=FIFA |date=4 September 2023 |access-date=4 September 2023}}

• First round: The four lowest-ranked teams played a {{nowrap|three-match}} knockout round in September 2024. The winner, Samoa, advanced to the second round.
• Second round: The winning team from the first round joined the seven {{nowrap|highest-ranked}} teams in two four-team groups in October and November 2024. The top two teams from each group advanced to the third round.
• Third round: The four teams advancing from the second round played a {{nowrap|three-match}} knockout round in March 2025. The winner, New Zealand, qualified for the World Cup and the runner-up, New Caledonia, advanced to the {{nowrap|inter-confederation}} {{nowrap|play-offs}}.

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC)#Third round}}

{{:2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC)|transcludesection=Bracket 2}}

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)}}

The UEFA Executive Committee announced a new European qualification format on 25 January 2023. Teams will be drawn into twelve groups of four or five teams to play home-and-away round-robin matches from March to November 2025. The group winners will qualify for the World Cup, while the {{nowrap|runners-up}} will participate in {{nowrap|play-off}} matches,{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/027d-1727b3b1e199-61019185e2c8-1000/ |title=New formats for UEFA men's national team competitions approved |publisher=UEFA |date=25 January 2023 |access-date=25 January 2023 |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125162003/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/027d-1727b3b1e199-61019185e2c8-1000/ |url-status=live}} for a total of 16 teams qualifying for the finals.

The qualification draw took place on 13 December 2024 in Zürich, Switzerland.{{cite web |title=European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: All you need to know |url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0292-1c1a655f1be0-84538c15a736-1000--european-qualifiers-for-the-2026-fifa-world-cup-all-you-ne/ |website=UEFA |publisher=UEFA |access-date=17 October 2024 |language=en |date=16 October 2024}} Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia's national team is currently suspended, and their exclusion was confirmed in a circular distributed by UEFA on 11 November 2024.{{cite magazine |url=https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/0293-1c5125be64ae-d60c2c5c218e-1000/20241111_circular_2024_64_en.zip |title=Draw procedure for the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 knockout stage and play-off draw – Fixture list procedure for the European Qualifiers 2024–26 |publisher=UEFA |number=64/2024 |magazine=UEFA Circular Letter |format=ZIP |date=11 November 2024 |access-date=15 November 2024}}

• First round (group stage): Twelve groups of either four or five teams were drawn, with group winners qualifying for the World Cup.
• Second round (play-off): Sixteen teams (twelve group runners-up and four best Nations League group winners, based on the Nations League overall ranking, that finished outside the top two of their qualifying group) will be drawn into four {{nowrap|play-off}} paths, playing two rounds of {{nowrap|single-match}} {{nowrap|play-offs}} ({{nowrap|semi-finals}} with the seeded teams to host, followed by finals, with the home teams to be drawn). The four path winners will qualify for the World Cup.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0282-185d513bd18e-32f59d9c7dea-1000/ |title=Lisbon to host UEFA Women's Champions League final in 2025 |work=UEFA |date=28 June 2023 |access-date=28 June 2023}}

{{vertical align rows}}

{{Main|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (inter-confederation play-offs)}}

A play-off tournament involving six teams – one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC and two from CONCACAF – will be held to decide the last two FIFA World Cup berths. The bottom four teams in the FIFA World Rankings will be drawn into two {{nowrap|single-elimination}} matches. The winners of those matches will advance to play the top two teams in two {{nowrap|single-elimination}} matches, and the winners will qualify for the World Cup. The play-offs will be held as a test event in one or more of the host nations.

{{:2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (inter-confederation play-offs)}}

{{Goalscorers

|goals=1581 |matches=580 |ongoing=yes |bold=yes |updated=10 June 2025

|12 goals=

• {{fbicon|QAT}} Almoez Ali

|10 goals=

• {{fbicon|IRN}} Mehdi Taremi
• {{fbicon|KOR}} Son Heung-min

|9 goals=

• {{fbicon|JOR}} Ali Olwan
• {{fbicon|NZL}} Chris Wood

|8 goals=

• {{fbicon|IRN}} Sardar Azmoun
• {{fbicon|IRQ}} Aymen Hussein
• {{fbicon|JPN}} Ayase Ueda
• {{fbicon|JOR}} Yazan Al-Naimat
• {{fbicon|UAE}} Fábio Lima

|7 goals=

• {{fbicon|COL}} Luis Díaz
• {{fbicon|JOR}} Musa Al-Taamari

|6 goals=

• {{fbicon|ARG}} Lionel Messi
• {{fbicon|AUS}} Kusini Yengi
• {{fbicon|BOL}} Miguel Terceros
• {{fbicon|EGY}} Mohamed Salah
• {{fbicon|JPN}} Kōki Ogawa
• {{fbicon|KGZ}} Joel Kojo
• {{fbicon|UAE}} Harib Abdalla

}}

Below are goalscorer lists for all confederations:

{{flatlist

| class=nowraplinks |

• AFC
• CAF
• CONCACAF
• CONMEBOL
• OFC
• UEFA

}}

• 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{2026 FIFA World Cup}}

{{2026 FIFA World Cup qualification}}

{{FIFA World Cup}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2026 Fifa World Cup Qualification}}

Qualification

Category:FIFA World Cup qualification