The hosts: in law
As co-hosts, the USA, Mexico and Canada they all take their place automatically. For Canada it is only the third men’s participation in the World Cup; for Mexico, a record stretch of consecutive tournaments continues; and the US will look to make a deep run on home soil.
The 16 of Europe and the heavyweights
UEFA carries the largest allocation with 16 placesensuring that the usual contenders – among them the reigning powers of world football – will be present. With so many places, the qualifying drama in Europe is less about whether the giants get there and more about which surprise package they place.
New faces and beginners
The jump to 48 teams has opened the door to nations from Africa, Asia and smaller confederations that have never qualified before. Expect at least a handful of debutants – one of the most compelling storylines in the expanded format and exactly the result FIFA was hoping for from expanding the field.
The intercontinental play-offs
Two of the final positions will be decided by a six-team play-off tournament organized shortly before the final, which will bring together teams from five confederations. It’s a high-stakes mini-event that can send a nation to the World Cup on the strength of a single match.
