The final World Cup participants won't be determined until March of 2026, following the draw for the World Cup groups. A playoff will take place in North America in March, including one team each from the following regions: AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, alongside two from Concacaf to determine the final two places in the World Cup.

Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 in their recent FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA qualifying match in the absence of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo

If Nigeria beat DR Congo and qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs, they know that, as things stand, they will be one of the top-two highest-ranked teams in the draw. That's because Panama are the only nation in the running to qualify for this playoff section with a higher ranking than the Super Eagles.

Some 29 teams have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 13 more will seal their places within the next week. Read on for a full breakdown.

Portugal recovered from shock loss to Ireland on Thursday to qualify, while Norway is through for first time since 1998.

Italy suffered a 4-1 defeat to Norway in Milan, finishing 2nd in Group I, meaning they will go into the World Cup qualification play-offs for the third consecutive time

Senior figures behind the 2026 World Cup dismissed concerns that US President Donald Trump could move matches from cities he does not deem "safe". A plethora of World Cup qualifiers in Europe has ended with Portugal and Norway securing spots at next year's tournament in North America.