27 March 2025
With the March World Cup Qualifiers coming to an end, Argentina were the final team to secure early qualification directly for the 2026 World Cup finals after a resounding victory over Brazil. Argentina's qualification came after a resounding 4-1 victory in the match that took place early Wednesday morning.
Argentina, the defending champion, became the fourth team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the qualifiers for the global football event.
Japan was the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals through the Asian qualifiers.
New Zealand became the second team to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup through the Oceania qualifiers for the first time, and for the third time in its history.
Iran joined Japan as the second Asian team and the third to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the qualifiers, following a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan on Tuesday evening.
The number of countries qualifying for the 2026 World Cup has risen to seven. Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina have joined the United States, Canada, and Mexico as hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history, replacing the previous format of 32, according to a decision by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).
The United States is scheduled to host the majority of the 2026 World Cup matches, with the competition taking place in 16 stadiums, 11 of which will be located in the United States.
