Bolivia’s 0-0 draw in opposition to Uruguay within the thirteenth spherical of the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup cemented a spot within the event for defending world champions Argentina. Now assured to complete within the computerized prime six that qualify by way of to the prolonged 48-team draw, Argentina grew to become the seventh staff to ebook their spot within the marquee event in North America.
New Zealand’s soccer staff celebrates qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.(AFP)
Outdoors of the three host nations for this first-of-its-scale mega World Cup — Mexico, Canada, and the USA — listed below are the 4 nations who’ve to date booked their locations within the 2026 showpiece.
Japan
The Asian Soccer Confederation’s qualification course of for the World Cup is a run-the-gauntlet model event. Its ongoing third spherical is ready to have six groups instantly qualify by way of to the World Cup finals, earlier than an additional three qualify by way of the extra fourth spherical later this yr.
The very best-ranked staff in Asia, Japan grew to become the primary non-host nation to ebook a spot, at present unbeaten in Group C of qualification and comfortably prime of the group. The Blue Samurai are set to make their eighth consecutive look on the World Cup.
Iran
The second staff from the AFC to have confirmed their presence in North America subsequent yr is Iran, who prime Group A. Iran have developed into Asian powerhouses, and have achieved higher yr on yr since changing into common fixtures on the World Cup. Can Inter Milan striker Mehi Taremi lead this staff to a debut knockout look on the world occasion?
New Zealand
That is the primary yr that the Oceanian Soccer Confederation has been granted a direct spot into the World Cup finals, with the winners beforehand having needed to duke it out within the inter-confederation playoff. New Zealand have dominated the OFC for many years, and the All Whites shall be relieved to have this easier route by way of to the principle event.
Led by talismanic hat-trick hero Chris Wooden, who’s having a profession yr for Nottingham Forest, New Zealand trounced Fiji 7-0 within the semifinal spherical throughout this worldwide break.
Within the subsequent ultimate in opposition to New Caledonia to determine who would get that direct spot, there was no fuss as they dispatched their lowly opponents 3-0 on the well-known Eden Park in Auckland to make historical past.
Argentina
Most lately, it’s Argentina who certified by way of to the World Cup. South America is the smallest confederation, that means a really easy single spherical robin league stage format. Argentina at present prime that group stage, eight factors clear with 4 video games left to play.
Lionel Scaloni’s staff celebrated their qualification by demolishing Brazil 4-1, and that was with out Lionel Messi. Possibilities of them going back-to-back at present trying fairly good.