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.
