The waiting is over. After months of qualifying drama across six confederations, the 2026 FIFA World Cup field is complete. Forty-eight teams. Three host nations. The biggest World Cup in the tournament's history kicks off on June 11.


The final six spots were decided in the last week of March, through the UEFA playoffs and the intercontinental playoff finals.


Europe's Last Four


Four UEFA playoff spots went to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Türkiye and Czechia — after four compelling two-legged playoff paths were decided by single goals or penalty shootouts.


The biggest story was Italy's elimination. The four-time world champions lost to Bosnia on penalties in their playoff final, missing the World Cup for a third consecutive time — an unwanted record no other champion nation has ever set. Sweden's Viktor Gyökeres scored a dramatic 88th-minute winner against Poland to send the Swedes through 3-2. Türkiye beat Kosovo 1-0. Czechia knocked out Denmark on penalties.


Italy, France 1998 champions, Germany, Argentina, Brazil — none of them have ever missed three straight World Cups. Italy now stand alone in that ignominy.


The Intercontinental Playoffs


DR Congo and Iraq took the final two spots via the intercontinental playoffs.


DR Congo ended a 52-year absence from the World Cup, beating Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in a tense final. Axel Tuanzebe converted from a corner kick to seal one of the most emotional qualifications in recent memory. They will face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.


Iraq returned to the World Cup for the first time in four decades, beating Bolivia in their playoff final. A remarkable qualification for a nation that has endured decades of political turmoil.


The Full 48


All 48 teams are now confirmed across six confederations. The hosts — United States, Mexico and Canada — are automatically included. Europe sends 16 teams. South America six. Africa nine. Asia eight. CONCACAF three. Oceania one.


Notable absences include Italy, Denmark, Poland and Ukraine from Europe. Russia remain suspended by UEFA and FIFA.


The Tournament


The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and the first to be co-hosted by three nations.


For football fans, the wait is almost over.