FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: WHAT SRI LANKAN FANS NEED TO KNOW

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the qualification picture is becoming clearer as nations across every continent scramble for their place at the expanded 48-team tournament.

- By MOIZ MUSTAFA

Co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, the competition will feature more teams than ever before and as of now, 42 countries have already sealed their spots.

For Sri Lankan fans, who traditionally follow global football with great passion, they will find it interesting to know the latest on who is in, who has made history and what remains to be decided.

The three hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States form the foundation of the confirmed list. It is a significant milestone for Canada, who will appear at back-to-back World Cups for the first time in their history. Mexico becomes the first nation to host the tournament three times, having previously staged the 1970 and 1986 editions.

Who has already qualified? With the latest round of matches, 42 of the 48 spots are now filled region by region.

Co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA

AFC: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan

CAF: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

Concacaf: Curaçao, Haiti, Panama