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Four Teams Secure Spots for the 2026 World Cup
During the recent international break, four nations successfully earned their berths for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, while several European teams are still awaiting the start of their qualifying rounds.
Japan was the first nation to secure qualification, clinching their spot with a decisive 2-0 victory over Bahrain, achieving this milestone with three matches still left to play in their qualifying campaign.
Following Japan, New Zealand made their mark by defeating New Caledonia 3-0 in the Oceania final, thus ensuring their place in the tournament.
Iran also advanced by drawing 2-2 with Uzbekistan, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the qualifying stages. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Argentina, sealed their qualification in style with a commanding 4-1 victory against long-time rivals Brazil.
In total, seven of the 48 available spots for the World Cup have now been filled, including automatic qualifications for the co-hosting nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With over a year remaining until the entire lineup of participating teams is finalized, the landscape for the World Cup continues to evolve as teams from all over the world strive for a chance to compete on football’s biggest stage.
The expanded format of the World Cup not only increases the number of teams participating but also allows for more representation from each continent than ever before, promising a diverse and exciting tournament ahead.
As the qualifying rounds progress, BBC Sport will provide updates on developments across the globe in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Source
www.bbc.com