By Martin Graham
The full list of participants for the expanded 48-team World Cup has now been finalized after a qualifying process that stretched close to three years and concluded with the final play-off matches on Tuesday. Among the standout stories is the presence of four nations making their debut appearances — Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan — while hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico secured automatic entry.
From Europe, 16 teams have booked their places, including England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Czech Republic. England and Scotland will represent the home nations, while Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all fell short in the play-offs.
Tuesday’s action brought further disappointment for Italy, who failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sweden managed to qualify despite finishing bottom of their group, benefiting from their Nations League performance to reach the play-offs. The Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina both secured qualification via penalty shoot-outs, while Turkey returns to the tournament for the first time since their run to the semi-finals in 2002.
Scotland and Norway have both ended long absences, qualifying for their first World Cups since 1998. Austria was the only European side not present in Qatar 2022 to earn automatic qualification this time around.
Africa and Asia deliver drama and historic breakthroughs
Africa will send 10 teams to the tournament: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Congo DR. The final spot was decided in dramatic fashion, as Congo DR defeated Jamaica 1-0 thanks to a 100th-minute goal from Axel Tuanzebe, ending Jamaica’s hopes of a first appearance since 1998.
Congo DR’s qualification marks their first World Cup participation since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Cape Verde also made history by becoming one of the smallest nations ever to reach the tournament, edging out Cameroon for an automatic place. Notably, Nigeria failed to qualify.
In Asia, nine teams progressed: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq. Iraq secured the final berth with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in a tense play-off, scoring the decisive goal early in the second half after the sides had traded goals before the break.
Off the pitch, uncertainty surrounds Iran’s participation due to ongoing conflict with the United States, where they are scheduled to play all group matches. Despite statements from Iranian officials suggesting reluctance to travel, FIFA has confirmed the team remains part of the tournament.
Americas and Oceania finalize the global picture
South America will be represented by Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay. Qualification in the region concluded earlier, with reigning champions Argentina leading the way and Ecuador emerging as surprise runners-up. Brazil progressed despite finishing fifth, alongside Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Bolivia narrowly missed out on a return to the World Cup, falling short in the intercontinental play-off against Iraq. Their wait for a first appearance since 1994 continues.
From Oceania, New Zealand claimed the sole available spot, benefiting from the expanded format which granted the region direct qualification rather than requiring an intercontinental play-off.
Group stage draw sets the stage
The tournament draw has already been completed, outlining the group stage matchups. Among the notable groups, Mexico will face South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic in Group A, while Brazil takes on Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C. The United States is grouped with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, and France will meet Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
Other intriguing combinations include Germany facing Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador, and Spain drawn alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The expanded format promises a diverse and competitive tournament, featuring both established powers and emerging nations on the global stage.