The Final Battle for World Cup Berths: 48-Team Lineup Taking Shape Across Continents

The race for qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America enters its decisive phase over the next two weeks. After the November international window, the group stage draw will be held on December 5, followed by the intercontinental playoffs in March next year.

**UEFA (Europe)**  
The European qualification stage is currently the most compelling, with only England having secured their ticket so far. Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, and Croatia are all on the verge of qualification.  
- Germany faces crucial matches against Luxembourg and Slovakia.  
- Italy has almost no chance of direct qualification but is expected to enter the playoffs, where they must navigate a perilous path to reach the World Cup.

**AFC (Asia)**  
**Already qualified:** Japan, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.  
The final playoff spot will be decided in a two-legged tie between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq this month.

**CAF (Africa)**  
**Already qualified:** Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana.  
One final playoff spot remains:  
- Nigeria vs. Gabon and Cameroon vs. DR Congo will face off this week.  
- The winners of these matches will then play each other to claim the final African berth.

**CONCACAF (North and Central America and Caribbean)**  
The third round of group stage matches is underway, with three groups of four teams. The winner of each group qualifies directly, while the two best runners-up advance to the intercontinental playoffs.  
With two rounds remaining:  
- Group leaders: Suriname, Jamaica, Honduras.  
- Runners-up: Panama, Curaçao, Costa Rica.

**CONMEBOL (South America)**  
**Qualified:** Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay.  
Bolivia will compete in the intercontinental playoffs.

**OFC (Oceania)**  
New Zealand has qualified directly, while New Caledonia will enter the intercontinental playoffs.