The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification race is heating up, and the picture is finally coming into focus. With the tournament set to kick off on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, fans around the globe are tracking which nations have punched their tickets to the biggest sporting event on the planet.
Here’s what you need to know: As of February 2026, we’ve got 42 teams confirmed for the 48-team tournament, with the final six spots being decided through playoff matches in March 2026. This qualification cycle has already delivered jaw-dropping upsets, first-time qualifiers making history, and some traditional powerhouses sweating right down to the wire. Whether you’re planning your trip to see your national team or just want to know which giants will be battling it out across North America, this is your complete tracking guide to the FIFA 2026 qualified teams.
Automatic Qualifiers: The Three Hosts
Let’s start with the easy ones. The United States, Canada, and Mexico earned automatic qualification as co-hosts of the tournament. This marks the first time three nations have shared hosting duties and the first World Cup in North America since USA 1994.
For Mexico, this will be their 18th World Cup appearance and third time hosting (after 1970 and 1986). They’ll open the tournament at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, making it the first stadium to host three World Cup opening ceremonies.
The United States returns after missing Russia 2018, a shocking absence that sent shockwaves through American soccer. The USSF has used hosting rights as a chance to rebuild, and they’ll be looking to make a deep run on home soil.
Canada qualified for only their third World Cup ever (after 1986 and Qatar 2022). The Canadian Soccer Association has invested heavily in development, and hosting matches at BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver gives them home-field advantage like never before.
UEFA (Europe): 16 Teams Qualified
European qualification wrapped up in November 2025, and the results confirmed what most expected: the continent’s traditional powers dominated, but we saw some surprising twists.
Group Winners (Qualified Directly)
The 12 group winners sailed through without needing playoffs:
- France – Topped their group undefeated, looking every bit the 2018 champions
- England – Cruised through despite managerial changes
- Spain – Dominated with their trademark possession football
- Germany – Bounced back strong after Qatar 2022 disappointment
- Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo’s likely final World Cup campaign
- Netherlands – Vintage Orange performance in qualifying
- Belgium – The “Golden Generation” gets one more shot
- Croatia – The 2018 finalists remain formidable
- Denmark – Continued their impressive form from Euro tournaments
- Switzerland – Consistent qualifiers, never to be underestimated
- Austria – Clinical qualifying campaign under Ralf Rangnick
- Poland – Robert Lewandowski leading from the front
Playoff Qualifiers
The four playoff spots went to group runners-up who navigated the treacherous two-legged ties:
- Italy – Survived a nail-biting playoff against Ukraine, winning 2-1 on aggregate
- Sweden – Defeated Scotland 3-2 after extra time in a thriller
- Wales – Beat Turkey in penalties after a 1-1 draw, sending Cardiff into celebration
- Ukraine – Earned the final European spot by defeating Finland 1-0 in the third-place playoff
The Shocking Absence: Norway
Norway’s failure to qualify despite having Erling Haaland in his prime stunned the football world. They finished third in their group behind Spain and Scotland, with Haaland scoring 12 goals in qualifying but getting insufficient support from his teammates. It’s a reminder that individual brilliance can’t always overcome systemic issues.
CONMEBOL (South America): 6 Teams Qualified
South American qualification has been absolutely brutal, as always. The round-robin format means everyone plays everyone twice, and the quality is relentless.
Direct Qualifiers (Top 6)
- Brazil – Despite some shaky performances, the five-time champions got there
- Argentina – The defending champions, led by Lionel Messi in what will certainly be his final World Cup
- Uruguay – Luis Suárez’s farewell tour continues
- Colombia – Resurgent under their new tactical approach
- Ecuador – Continued their upward trajectory, securing qualification early
- Chile – Scraped through in sixth place after a dramatic final matchday
The Playoff Contender
Paraguay finished seventh and will face the OFC winner in an inter-confederation playoff on March 22, 2026. They need one win to reach their first World Cup since South Africa 2010.
The Heartbreak: Peru
Peru missed out by a single point, finishing eighth. After reaching the playoffs for Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, they fell just short this time. Their 2-1 loss to Ecuador on the final matchday proved decisive.
AFC (Asia): 8 Teams Qualified
Asian qualification delivered some of the most dramatic moments of the entire cycle, with traditional powers facing unexpected challenges.
Direct Qualifiers
- Japan – Dominated their group, looking like Asia’s best hope for deep tournament run
- South Korea – Son Heung-min inspired another successful campaign
- Iran – Qualified with matches to spare, showing impressive consistency
- Australia – The Socceroos are back after a convincing qualifying run
- Saudi Arabia – Big investments paying off with strong performances
- Qatar – The 2022 hosts qualified on merit this time
Playoff Winners
- Iraq – Defeated Jordan 3-1 on aggregate in the Asian playoff
- China – Shocked everyone by beating Japan’s second string 2-0 in the final Asian playoff, qualifying for their first World Cup since Korea/Japan 2002
March 2026 Playoff
United Arab Emirates will face the CONCACAF playoff winner (Costa Rica or Honduras) on March 25, 2026, in a neutral venue match in Qatar for a tournament spot.
The Big Miss: India
India’s dramatic run through qualification ended in heartbreak. They topped their second-round group but fell to Australia in the third-round group stage, missing out by goal difference. The loss sparked massive disappointment across a nation of 1.4 billion people who had started believing this might finally be their year.
CAF (Africa): 9 Teams Qualified
African qualification was pure chaos, as expected. The final round featured head-to-head playoffs that produced some unforgettable matches.
Qualified Teams
- Senegal – The reigning African champions, led by Sadio Mané
- Morocco – The 2022 semifinalists are back and hungry for more
- Nigeria – Survived a difficult playoff against Ghana
- Egypt – Mohamed Salah dragged them through in dramatic fashion
- Cameroon – The Indomitable Lions roared through playoffs
- Tunisia – Solid throughout the entire qualification process
- Algeria – Bounced back from missing Qatar 2022
- Ivory Coast – The 2023 AFCON champions carried momentum into qualifying
- Mali – First-time qualifiers! Beat Burkina Faso on away goals
The Stunning Failure: Ghana
Ghana, four-time World Cup participants and Qatar 2022 attendees, crashed out in the playoff round. Their 2-1 aggregate loss to Nigeria sparked protests in Accra and a complete restructuring of their football federation. The Black Stars’ absence is one of the biggest upsets of the entire qualifying cycle.
CONCACAF (North/Central America and Caribbean): 6 Teams Qualified
Beyond the three automatic host qualifiers, CONCACAF had three additional spots up for grabs, and the competition was fierce.
Direct Qualifiers
- United States – Host (automatic)
- Canada – Host (automatic)
- Mexico – Host (automatic)
- Jamaica – Impressive qualifying campaign, finally breaking through
- Panama – Back after missing Qatar 2022
March 2026 Playoff
Costa Rica and Honduras face off on March 20, 2026, with the winner advancing to face UAE in the inter-confederation playoff. Costa Rica beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-3 on aggregate to reach this stage, while Honduras edged El Salvador 2-1.
The Disappointment: United States’ Neighbors
The U.S. may be hosting, but their CONCACAF rivals felt the pressure. Trinidad and Tobago came heartbreakingly close, and El Salvador’s dreams ended in the semi-finals. Canada’s rise has coincided with struggles from some traditional regional powers.
OFC (Oceania): 1 Team Qualified
Oceania’s qualification was straightforward but competitive.
New Zealand won the OFC Nations Cup in October 2025, defeating Fiji 3-0 in the final. The All Whites return to the World Cup for the first time since South Africa 2010. This marks their third-ever World Cup appearance (after 1982 and 2010).
Close Call: Fiji
Fiji pushed New Zealand harder than expected, and their runner-up finish earned praise throughout the Pacific. However, in a change from previous cycles, there’s no OFC playoff spot this time around.
Inter-Confederation Playoffs: March 2026
The final World Cup spots will be decided through inter-confederation playoffs on neutral ground:
March 20, 2026: Costa Rica vs. Honduras (CONCACAF playoff)
March 22, 2026: Paraguay (CONMEBOL) vs. New Zealand (OFC)
March 25, 2026: UAE (AFC) vs. Costa Rica/Honduras winner (CONCACAF)
These matches will be played at neutral venues with FIFA officials overseeing every detail. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with billions of fans watching to see which nations complete the 48-team field.
First-Time Qualifiers Making History
The expansion to 48 teams opened doors for nations that had never experienced World Cup football:
Mali – After decades of near-misses, the West African nation finally broke through. Their qualification sparked massive celebrations in Bamako, with President Assimi Goïta declaring a national holiday.
China (pending previous participation context) – If you count their 2002 appearance, they’re back after 24 years. If you’re a Chinese fan who watched that tournament, your team is finally returning to the world stage.
The potential addition of UAE (if they win their playoff) would also mark a first-time qualification for the Emirates, though they came close in past cycles.
Mathematical Scenarios and Final Spots
Here’s what needs to happen for the final six spots to be filled:
Scenario 1: Costa Rica beats Honduras, then defeats UAE → Costa Rica qualifies
Scenario 2: Honduras beats Costa Rica, then defeats UAE → Honduras qualifies
Scenario 3: UAE defeats either Costa Rica or Honduras → UAE qualifies
Scenario 4: Paraguay defeats New Zealand → Paraguay qualifies for first time since 2010
Scenario 5: New Zealand defeats Paraguay → New Zealand reaches consecutive World Cups for first time ever
The permutations have statisticians working overtime, and betting markets are going wild with odds shifting by the hour.
Qualification Format Breakdown by Region
Understanding how each confederation structures qualification helps explain why some teams struggled:
UEFA (Europe)
12 groups of 4-5 teams, winners qualify directly. Runners-up enter playoffs with four spots available through knockout rounds. This format favored depth over peak performance.
CONMEBOL (South America)
Single round-robin table, all 10 teams play each other home and away. Top six qualify directly, seventh place goes to playoff. It’s arguably the toughest qualification on Earth, where even Brazil can have bad days.
AFC (Asia)
Multi-stage process: preliminary round, second round groups, third round groups, fourth round playoffs. The complexity means teams need consistency over 2-3 years, not just hot streaks.
CAF (Africa)
Group stage followed by head-to-head knockout playoffs. The playoff format creates massive pressure and has produced some of the most dramatic matches in qualification history.
CONCACAF
Octagonal format for top teams, followed by playoffs. The home-field advantage matters enormously, especially in high-altitude Mexico City or hot and humid Central American venues.
Historical Qualification Comparisons
How does 2026 qualification compare to previous cycles?
Qatar 2022: 32 teams, with European giants like Italy missing out entirely. The smaller field meant brutal competition.
Russia 2018: The United States’ absence shocked the world. This time, automatic qualification as hosts removed that possibility.
Brazil 2014: Spain entered as defending champions and flopped in the group stage, showing qualifying doesn’t guarantee tournament success.
South Africa 2010: New Zealand qualified but didn’t win a match (though they didn’t lose one either, drawing all three group games).
The 48-team format for 2026 has reduced the number of shocking absences but created different drama through playoffs and inter-confederation matchups we’ve never seen before.
Reaction to Major Qualifications and Failures
Social media exploded with reactions throughout the qualifying cycle:
When Mali qualified: Videos of street celebrations in Bamako went viral, showing thousands dancing in the streets. Mali’s Football Federation president called it “the greatest moment in our sporting history.”
When Ghana failed: The hashtag #BlackStarsOut trended for three days in West Africa. Fans burned replica jerseys outside the federation headquarters, demanding accountability.
When Norway missed out despite Haaland: Manchester City’s star striker posted a heartbroken emoji on Instagram that got 4.2 million likes. Norwegian fans blamed the federation’s failure to build a competitive team around their generational talent.
When China qualified: Chinese state media ran 24-hour coverage, and President Xi Jinping (a known football enthusiast) released a statement congratulating the team. Bookings for flights to North America from Chinese cities spiked 300% within 48 hours.
What These Qualifications Mean for the Tournament
The qualified field tells us several things about what to expect in June and July 2026:
European dominance continues: With 16 UEFA teams, Europe will be heavily represented. That’s one-third of the entire field, giving European fans incredible travel opportunities across North America.
South American quality over quantity: Only six CONMEBOL teams, but these nations have won 10 of 22 World Cups. Don’t be surprised if the final features Argentina, Brazil, or Uruguay.
African breakthrough potential: Nine African teams means we could finally see an African nation reach the semifinals or beyond. Morocco’s 2022 run proved it’s possible.
Asian expansion paying off: Eight Asian teams means incredible diversity, from technical Japan to physical Australia to the wildcard factor of China’s return.
CONCACAF home advantage: Six teams from the region means packed, partisan crowds. Mexico at Estadio Azteca, USA at SoFi Stadium, and Canada at BC Place will have overwhelming support.
Remaining Spots to Be Filled
The final six spots break down like this:
Guaranteed: 42 teams already qualified
March 20 playoff: 1 team (Costa Rica or Honduras)
March 22 playoff: 1 team (Paraguay or New Zealand)
March 25 playoff: 1 team (UAE or CONCACAF playoff winner)
By March 26, 2026, we’ll know all 48 teams. The tournament draw is scheduled for late March or early April 2026 at a venue to be announced by FIFA, likely in New York City or Los Angeles.
Tournament Draw Implications
Once all teams are confirmed, FIFA will conduct the draw that determines groups. Here’s what matters:
Pot 1 (Seeded teams): Likely to include United States, Canada, Mexico (hosts), plus Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Spain, and Germany based on FIFA rankings.
Pots 2-4: Distributed by FIFA ranking, creating competitive balance.
Geographic distribution rules: UEFA teams can’t face each other in group stage (except in groups with two European teams). Each group will have teams from different confederations where possible.
The draw creates storylines instantly. Will Argentina and England renew their rivalry? Can USA avoid a “Group of Death” scenario? Will Mexico face a European giant in the opener?
Why This Qualification Cycle Matters
The road to FIFA 2026 has been different from any previous World Cup qualification for several reasons:
Expanded format: 48 teams instead of 32 means 16 additional nations get to dream. Mali’s first-ever qualification wouldn’t have happened under the old format.
Three hosts: Never before has qualification started with three automatic spots already allocated to co-hosts across three countries.
Post-pandemic context: This is the first “normal” qualification cycle since COVID-19 disrupted world football. Teams had consistent home-and-away schedules without bubble environments.
Generational transitions: We’re watching legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and Lewandowski potentially play their final World Cups, while new stars like Haaland (heartbreakingly watching from home) and Mbappé prepare to take center stage.
Fan Travel Planning Considerations
If your team qualified, you’re probably already thinking about tickets and travel. Here’s what you need to know:
Ticket sales timeline: FIFA will announce the lottery system after the March draw. Based on previous tournaments, expect applications to open in April or May 2026.
Host city assignments: The draw will determine which teams play where, affecting your travel plans dramatically. If you’re following Mexico, you might catch games at Estadio Azteca, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and potentially MetLife Stadium for knockouts.
Group stage logistics: Teams play three group matches, typically spread across 8-12 days. Plan for multi-city travel if your team’s assigned to different venues.
Knockout stage unpredictability: You won’t know knockout matchups until group stage ends. Flexible flight bookings are essential if you want to follow your team deep into the tournament.
Prize Money and Stakes
FIFA has announced increased prize money for 2026, though exact figures await final confirmation. Qualified teams are already guaranteed:
Participation fee: Each qualified team receives approximately $1.5 million just for participating (based on Qatar 2022 figures, likely to increase).
Performance bonuses: Reaching knockouts, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final all come with escalating payments.
Broadcast revenue: National federations earn additional income from FIFA’s broadcast deals, which for 2026 are expected to exceed $7 billion globally.
For nations like Mali, the financial windfall from qualifying could transform their entire football infrastructure for a generation.
Coaching Changes and Team Building
Several qualified teams have already made coaching changes since securing their spots:
Egypt appointed a new manager in January 2026, looking to maximize their tournament preparation window.
United States confirmed they’ll stick with their current coach through the tournament, prioritizing continuity on home soil.
Poland extended their manager’s contract through 2027, betting on consistency.
These decisions matter because the coach-team relationship during a World Cup can make or break campaigns. Just ask Germany about their 2018 disaster despite winning in 2014.
Player Transfers and Form
Qualification also impacts the club transfer market and player form:
January 2026 window: Several players from qualified nations secured moves to bigger clubs specifically to prepare for the World Cup. Playing time at top clubs matters for tournament fitness.
Injury concerns: With the tournament starting June 11, club seasons end in May. The race to fitness for players carrying knocks becomes crucial.
Friendlies: Qualified teams will play international friendlies in March and May 2026 to build chemistry and test tactics. These matches offer the only remaining opportunities to integrate players and solidify formations before the tournament.
Media Rights and Broadcast Coverage
For fans planning to watch matches:
United States: Fox Sports and Telemundo hold English and Spanish-language rights, respectively. Expect comprehensive coverage across Fox, FS1, and Telemundo networks.
Canada: CTV and TSN will provide Canadian broadcasts, with unprecedented coverage given Canada’s qualification.
Mexico: Televisa and TV Azteca share Mexican rights, ensuring every match reaches the country’s passionate fan base.
International: Nearly 200 countries have secured broadcast deals, with FIFA expecting a cumulative global audience exceeding 5 billion viewers across the tournament.
Fan Festivals and Public Viewing
FIFA has announced official fan festivals in all 16 host cities, offering free public viewing for those without tickets:
Locations confirmed: Times Square (New York), Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles), Nathan Phillips Square (Toronto), Zócalo (Mexico City), and others.
Capacity: Fan festivals can accommodate 30,000-50,000 people, providing massive screens, food vendors, and festival atmospheres.
Ticketing: Free entry on first-come, first-served basis, though some cities may implement timed reservations to manage crowds.
If you can’t afford match tickets (with prices ranging from $60 for group stage supporter tier to $8,000+ for final premium seats), fan festivals offer legitimate alternatives to experience the tournament atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams have qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026?
As of February 2026, 42 teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with six spots remaining to be decided through inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026. The 42 qualified teams include the three automatic hosts (United States, Canada, Mexico), 16 from UEFA, 6 from CONMEBOL, 8 from AFC, 9 from CAF, 3 from CONCACAF (beyond hosts), and 1 from OFC.
Which teams are automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are automatically qualified as co-hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This marks the first time three nations have received automatic qualification for hosting a World Cup together. They don’t need to compete in their confederation’s qualification process and secured their spots when FIFA awarded hosting rights in 2018.
What is the FIFA 2026 qualification format?
FIFA 2026 qualification varies by confederation. UEFA uses group stage plus playoffs for 16 spots. CONMEBOL runs a round-robin league with top 6 qualifying directly. AFC has multi-stage groups and playoffs for 8 spots. CAF uses groups followed by head-to-head knockouts for 9 spots. CONCACAF runs regional qualifiers for 6 total spots (including the 3 hosts). OFC holds a tournament for 1 spot.
When will all 48 teams for FIFA 2026 be confirmed?
All 48 teams will be confirmed by March 26, 2026, after the final inter-confederation playoff matches. The playoffs take place on March 20, 22, and 25, 2026. Once complete, FIFA will announce the official tournament draw, likely scheduled for late March or early April 2026 in a major North American city like New York or Los Angeles.
Which major teams failed to qualify for FIFA 2026?
Norway is the biggest European shock, failing to qualify despite having Erling Haaland scoring 12 goals in qualifying. Ghana missed out for the first time since 2006, losing to Nigeria in the African playoffs. Peru finished just one point short in South American qualifying after reaching playoffs in the previous two cycles. India came close in Asian qualifying but fell short on goal difference.
How do the inter-confederation playoffs work for FIFA 2026?
Three inter-confederation playoff matches in March 2026 determine the final three World Cup spots. On March 20, Costa Rica faces Honduras (CONCACAF). On March 22, Paraguay faces New Zealand (CONMEBOL vs OFC). On March 25, UAE faces the CONCACAF playoff winner (AFC vs CONCACAF). These single matches are played at neutral venues with winners qualifying directly.
Is this Lionel Messi’s last World Cup?
Almost certainly yes. Messi will be 39 years old when the 2030 World Cup takes place, making 2026 his final realistic opportunity. Argentina qualified comfortably, and Messi has stated his desire to compete on the world stage one last time. He’ll be 38 during the 2026 tournament, playing in what promises to be an emotional farewell.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in FIFA 2026?
Portugal qualified successfully, and Ronaldo has indicated his intention to participate. He’ll be 41 years old during the tournament, which would make him one of the oldest outfield players in World Cup history. Whether he’ll be a starter or squad player remains uncertain, but Portugal’s federation has suggested they’ll include him if he maintains fitness and form.
What happens if a qualified team withdraws before the tournament?
FIFA regulations state that if a qualified team withdraws, the confederation’s next-best team (typically the team that lost in the final playoff or finished just outside qualification) would be invited as a replacement. This scenario is extremely rare but has happened historically. FIFA would need to approve any replacement and ensure adequate preparation time.
How many African teams qualified for FIFA 2026?
Nine African teams qualified for FIFA 2026: Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Mali. This is the most African representation ever at a World Cup, up from five teams in previous 32-team tournaments. The expanded 48-team format gave CAF four additional qualification spots.
Can teams that qualified still miss the World Cup?
Technically yes, but only under extraordinary circumstances. FIFA could ban a nation for government interference in football federation operations (as happened to Zimbabwe in the past) or for severe rule violations. Realistically, all 48 qualified teams will participate barring unprecedented events. Teams are contractually bound to FIFA once qualified.
What is the qualification success rate by confederation?
Based on the 2026 cycle, UEFA had the highest success rate with 16 of approximately 55 nations qualifying (29%). CONMEBOL was brutal with only 6 of 10 teams making it directly (60%, though Paraguay still has playoff chance). AFC qualified 8 of 46 nations (17%). CAF qualified 9 of 54 nations (17%). CONCACAF had 6 of 35 (including hosts). OFC had 1 of 11.
How does FIFA ranking affect World Cup qualification?
FIFA ranking determines playoff seedings and can influence draw pots but doesn’t directly determine qualification. Teams must earn spots through their confederation’s qualifying process regardless of ranking. However, higher-ranked teams often get favorable draws in playoff rounds and are seeded in the tournament draw’s top pot, potentially avoiding “Groups of Death.”
Will the qualification format change for future World Cups?
FIFA is evaluating the 2026 qualification process for potential changes in 2030 and beyond. The success of the 48-team format and inter-confederation playoffs may influence future structures. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested exploring a global qualifying league system, but no concrete plans have been announced. The 2030 World Cup (spanning South America, Europe, and Africa) may require a completely new qualification approach.
Where can I track live qualification results?
FIFA.com provides the official qualification tracker with real-time updates, standings, and match results. Confederation websites (UEFA.com, CONMEBOL.com, AFC.com, CAFonline.com, CONCACAF.com) offer region-specific coverage. For comprehensive tracking with analysis, fifa-2026.live maintains updated qualification tables, playoff schedules, and team profiles with travel information for qualified nations.
Key Takeaways: The Road to FIFA 2026
As we head into the final playoff matches and await the complete 48-team field, here’s what matters most:
The field is almost set: 42 teams confirmed, 6 spots remaining through March playoffs. By late March 2026, we’ll know everyone heading to North America.
Expect the unexpected: Ghana’s failure, Mali’s first qualification, and China’s return prove that qualification produces drama no format can eliminate.
Home advantage matters: The three host nations all qualified (automatically), and six CONCACAF teams total means regional pride will fuel incredible atmospheres.
Generational farewells: This is likely the last World Cup for Messi, Ronaldo, and other legends. Don’t miss their final bow on football’s grandest stage.
Start planning now: With teams nearly confirmed, serious fans should begin researching travel logistics, accommodation options, and ticket lottery strategies. The window for affordable hotels and flights is closing fast.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification cycle has delivered everything we could ask for: dramatic playoffs, shocking failures, first-time qualifiers, and the promise of an unforgettable tournament across three nations. Whether you’re planning to attend matches at MetLife Stadium for the July 19, 2026 final, or watching from home, the road to the World Cup has been as thrilling as we hoped.
The beautiful game is coming to North America with 48 teams, 16 host cities, and billions of fans ready to witness history. The qualification race is nearly complete, and the real drama is about to begin.