By Martin Graham
The full list of participants for the 48-team World Cup expansion has now been finalized after a qualification process that spanned almost three years and concluded with the final play-off matches on Tuesday. Highlights include the presence of four nations making their debut appearances: Cape Verde, CuracaoJordan and Uzbekistan — while hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico secured automatic entry.
From Europe, 16 teams have booked their places, including England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic. England and Scotland will represent the home nations, while Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all fell short in the play-offs.
Tuesday’s action led to another disappointment for Italywho failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after losing on penalties Bosnia and Herzegovina. sweden they managed to qualify despite finishing bottom of their group, benefiting from their performance in the Nations League to reach the play-offs. The Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified via penalty shootout, while Turkey is returning to the tournament for the first time since his run to the semifinals in 2002.
Scotland and Norway have ended long absences, qualifying for their first World Cups since 1998. Austria were the only European team not present at Qatar 2022 to secure automatic qualification this time around.
Africa and Asia offer dramas and historical developments
Africa will send 10 teams to the tournament: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Democratic Republic of Congo. The final place was decided in dramatic fashion, as DR Congo defeated Jamaica 1–0 thanks to a goal from Axel Tuanzebe in the 100th minute, ending Jamaica’s hopes of playing for the first time since 1998.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s qualification marks their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Cape Verde also made history by becoming one of the smallest nations ever to reach the tournament, beating Cameroon for an automatic place. Notably, Nigeria did not qualify.
In Asia, nine teams progressed: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq. Iraq He clinched the final spot with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in a tense play-off, scoring the decisive goal early in the second half after the teams had traded goals before the break.
Off the pitch, uncertainty surrounds Iran’s participation due to the ongoing conflict with the United States, where they are scheduled to play all of their group matches. Despite statements from Iranian officials suggesting reluctance to travel, FIFA has confirmed that the team remains part of the tournament.
America and Oceania complete the global picture
South America will be represented by Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay. Qualifying in the region concluded early, with reigning champions Argentina leading the way and Ecuador emerging as surprise runners-up. Brazil progressed despite finishing fifth, alongside Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Bolivia narrowly missed out on a return to the World Cup, coming up short in the intercontinental play-off against Iraq. His wait for a first appearance since 1994 continues.
From Oceania, New Zealand claimed the only place available, benefiting from the expanded format which gave the region direct qualification rather than requiring an intercontinental play-off.
The group stage draw sets the scene
The tournament draw has now been completed, outlining the group stage matches. Among the featured groups, Mexico will face South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic in Group A, while Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C. The United States is drawn with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, and France will meet Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
Other intriguing combinations include Germany against Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador, and Spain alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The expanded format promises a diverse and competitive tournament, featuring both established powers and emerging nations on the global stage.
