Road to the 2026 World Cup: A Record-Breaking Event

The 2026 World Cup, set to feature a record 48 teams, kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Argentina and Iran are among the first to qualify from South America and Asia respectively, while New Zealand secures Oceania's spot. Qualification continues across regions through continental and international playoffs.

The 2026 World Cup, expanding to a historic 48 teams, is set to begin in North America, marking an unprecedented global soccer event. Argentina, the defending champions, join Iran and New Zealand among the first to clinch a spot, showcasing the tournament's diverse international appeal.

New Zealand clinched its place with a significant 3-0 victory over New Caledonia, highlighting Oceania's strong presence. Meanwhile, Japan and other nations are already securing their berths amidst intense continental playoffs, which remain crucial for shaping the tournament's lineup.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada, as host nations, naturally occupy a portion of the slots reserved for North and Central America. With various continents advancing through their regional qualifiers, the race for the remaining spots intensifies as anticipation builds for the global event set to start on June 11, 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)