Final 48 Teams Confirmed, A Look at the 12 Groups

The long wait is over. The lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially complete following Iraq's 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off final on Wednesday morning.

With Iraq securing the final slot, the stage is set for the first-ever 48-team tournament in football history.

The battle for the final six tickets was intense. From the European play-offs, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully navigated their path to the finals.

Meanwhile, DR Congo became the 47th team to qualify after a 1-0 win over Jamaica, followed by Iraq clinching the 48th and final spot.

The 12 Groups at a Glance

Group	Teams
Group A	Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czech Republic
Group B	Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group C	Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Group D	USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey
Group E	Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Group F	Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden
Group G	Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Group H	Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Group I	France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq
Group J	Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K	Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo
Group L	England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

Historic Debuts and Long-Awaited Returns
This edition of the World Cup is defined by a "new wave" of footballing nations. Four countries will make their historic debut on the world stage: Jordan, Uzbekistan, Curacao, and Cape Verde.

The 2026 tournament also marks the end of several long-standing droughts:

• Haiti and DR Congo return to the world stage after a 52-year absence.
• Iraq returns to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

With the expansion to 48 teams, the tournament promises more matches, more debutants, and a truly global celebration of the sport across North America.