For the first time in their histories, Uzbekistan and Jordan have punched their tickets to the FIFA World Cup, joining South Korea as they prepare for the 2026 tournament to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks a significant milestone for Uzbekistan and Jordan, who have long aspired to compete on football’s biggest global stage.
Uzbekistan, ranked 57th in the world and with a population of about 36 million, played its first international match as an independent nation in 1992, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Although they have regularly participated in the Asian Cup since 1996 and made deep runs in recent tournaments—including a semi-final appearance in 2011—they had yet to qualify for the World Cup. Their qualification was sealed after a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates.
Similarly, Jordan’s qualification is historic. The Asian Cup runners-up are ranked 62nd globally and are no strangers to World Cup qualifiers, having attempted to reach the tournament since 1986. Their closest previous attempt was in 2014 when they lost an intercontinental playoff to Uruguay. This time, a commanding 3-0 victory over Oman confirmed their debut at the World Cup.
South Korea Continues Its World Cup Streak
South Korea, a seasoned World Cup participant, secured its place for an 11th consecutive time by defeating Iraq 2-0. Their consistent qualification underscores the strength and stability of their football program in Asia.
Expanded 48-Team World Cup Brings New Opportunities
The 2026 World Cup, expanding to 48 teams from the traditional 32, offers more opportunities for nations across all confederations to qualify. Along with the three automatic spots granted to the host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—these latest qualifiers bring the confirmed number of teams to ten. Other confirmed teams include Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina.
Understanding the Qualification Process by Region
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Asia (AFC):
Eight automatic spots are available, plus one slot through intercontinental playoffs. Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Jordan have already qualified. Australia is currently in contention for the final automatic place, while teams finishing third and fourth in their groups will have additional playoff opportunities. -
South America (CONMEBOL):
Six direct qualification spots plus one playoff spot are contested among 10 teams. Argentina is the first to qualify. The remaining top teams—Ecuador, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Colombia—are battling for the remaining slots, with Venezuela currently in playoff position. -
Africa (CAF):
Nine group winners will qualify automatically, with the best runners-up entering playoffs. No African team has yet qualified, but Egypt, DR Congo, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana are leading their groups. -
North, Central America, and Caribbean (CONCACAF):
Six World Cup slots include automatic qualifications for the hosts: USA, Canada, and Mexico. Other teams vie for the remaining spots through a multi-stage group format, with opportunities to enter intercontinental playoffs. -
Europe (UEFA):
Europe has 16 places, with group winners qualifying directly. Runners-up enter playoffs, competing with select Nations League teams for four remaining spots. Qualification is ongoing, with the final play-offs scheduled for March 2026. -
Oceania (OFC):
New Zealand, by winning the OFC qualifiers, has earned an automatic World Cup berth—a first under the expanded format. The runner-up, New Caledonia, will have a chance to qualify through the intercontinental playoffs.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With more nations than ever able to compete on football’s grandest stage, the road to the 2026 World Cup promises to be intense and historic. For Uzbekistan and Jordan, their first-ever qualifications represent a breakthrough for football in their countries, while South Korea continues to solidify its place among the continent’s elite. As qualification campaigns continue worldwide, fans can expect fresh narratives and new rivalries ahead of the expanded tournament.