2026 World Cup Qualification Update: 145 Teams Eliminated, 42 Spots Secured, and the Race for the Final 6
The road to the 2026 World Cup has seen 145 teams eliminated from qualifying, leaving 42 spots already decided for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The remaining six spots will be finalized during March's international break, with four coming from Europe's play-off tournament and two from the intercontinental play-offs. While some countries like Curacao, Uzbekistan, and Cape Verde will make their World Cup debuts in 2026, many of the participating teams are traditional football powerhouses from around the world.
Several major footballing nations have missed out on a spot at the 2026 World Cup, including Serbia, Greece, and Hungary from Europe. China and India, two of the most populous countries globally, will also not be participating in the tournament. African nations like Nigeria and Cameroon, with a rich World Cup history, have failed to qualify this time around. Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, and Honduras are among the countries from North America and the Caribbean that will not be playing in the newly-formatted tournament.
With 42 teams already qualified and 145 eliminated, there are still 22 teams vying for a spot through the intercontinental or European play-offs. The list includes countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and Central America, South America, and Oceania. Despite the absence of some top players from the World Cup, due to their nations not qualifying, the tournament promises to showcase the best talent from around the globe.
The BBC Sport team of top players not going to the World Cup features standout names like Jan Oblak, Ola Aina, Willi Orban, and Milos Kerkez in defense. Bryan Mbuemo and Dominik Szoboszlai lead the midfield, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Serhou Guirassy add attacking flair. Victor Osimhen completes the lineup as the striker. These players, despite their individual talents, will not be part of the 2026 World Cup action.
In conclusion, the 2026 World Cup will see a mix of established footballing nations and debutants competing for glory. While some top players will miss out on the tournament, the event promises to be a showcase of talent and passion from around the world. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the BBC Sport team as we bring you the latest on the road to the 2026 World Cup.