World Cup
Global heavyweights, African surge headline expanding 2026 World Cup line-up
By Kunle Solaja.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun to take definitive shape, with a blend of traditional powerhouses, emerging nations and first-time qualifiers securing places at the tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
The three host nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada — automatically qualified, each bringing contrasting World Cup pedigrees.
While the United States’ best finish remains a third-place outing in 1930, Mexico boast two quarter-final appearances (1970 and 1986), and Canada continue their search for a first knockout-stage breakthrough after previous group-stage exits.
Defending champions Argentina headline the South American contingent after sealing qualification on March 25, aiming to add to their three titles (1978, 1986, 2022). Five-time winners Brazil also return, extending their record as the only nation to feature in every World Cup, while Uruguay — champions in 1930 and 1950 — reinforce South America’s rich pedigree.
Asia has produced a mix of regulars and newcomers. Japan and South Korea continue their consistent presence, with the latter’s fourth-place finish in 2002 still the continent’s benchmark. Iran and Australia also return, while Uzbekistan and Jordan make history with their first-ever World Cup qualifications, underlining the region’s growing competitiveness.
Africa has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the qualification series, with a strong and diverse representation. Morocco, fresh from their historic semi-final run in 2022, lead a pack that includes Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Tunisia. South Africa also returns to the global stage, while Cape Verde are set for a historic debut. DR Congo’s late qualification adds further depth to Africa’s presence, continuing the continent’s upward trajectory in global football.
Europe’s contingent is, as expected, packed with elite nations. Former champions France, Germany, Spain and England are all safely through, alongside finalists Croatia and the Netherlands.
Portugal, Belgium and Switzerland maintain their consistency, while countries like Norway, Scotland and Austria mark notable returns. Turkey, Sweden and the Czech Republic also secured qualification on March 31, adding further depth to UEFA’s representation.
The CONCACAF region, beyond the host nations, sees Panama, Haiti and Curaçao progress, with Curaçao making a landmark first appearance at the finals.
Elsewhere, New Zealand confirmed Oceania’s presence, while Iraq and Qatar will represent West Asia alongside Saudi Arabia, all seeking to improve on modest past performances.
The expanded tournament — the first to feature 48 teams — is already reflecting FIFA’s broader global reach. With debutants such as Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde and Curaçao joining seasoned campaigners, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the most inclusive and competitive in the tournament’s history.
As qualification continues to conclude across confederations, attention will soon shift to the draw, where football’s giants and newcomers alike will discover their paths in what promises to be a landmark World Cup.
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Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo declared Wednesday a public holiday following the national team’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup—their first appearance in 52 years.
The Leopards secured their place at the global tournament on Tuesday night after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff. Defender Axel Tuanzebe emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 100th minute of a tense encounter.
In a statement, the Ministry of Labour and Employment described the triumph as “historic,” announcing a nationwide day off to allow citizens to “celebrate in unity, fervour and national pride.” The declaration led to widespread closures across the capital, Kinshasa, with banks and shops shutting their doors in observance.
However, the late announcement—made around 08:00 local time—meant that some businesses proceeded with normal operations, catching employers off guard.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across Kinshasa, with fans pouring into the streets shortly after the final whistle, which came just before 01:00 local time on Wednesday. In the Kingabwa district, supporters chanted and danced, revelling in a moment of national pride.
“This victory makes us proud… I feel so emotional and happy,” one fan told the BBC, reflecting the mood in a country long affected by conflict and instability.
DR Congo’s qualification carries deep symbolic significance. The nation last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, when it competed as Zaire. Their return to football’s biggest stage comes amid ongoing tensions in the eastern region, where fighting escalated last year following advances by the M23 rebel group.
Despite strained relations between DR Congo and Rwanda, the latter’s government extended congratulations. Deputy government spokesperson Jean Maurice Uwera praised the achievement on social media, urging the Leopards to make Africa proud.
The Congolese side will face a challenging group at the expanded World Cup, beginning with a clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Houston on June 17. They will also take on Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stage.
DR Congo’s qualification makes them the 10th African nation to book a place at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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Millions of fans heading to the 2026 World Cup face significant human rights risks, Amnesty International said, warning that the tournament is drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event originally promised by world soccer’s governing body FIFA.
With just over 10 weeks until the June 11 kickoff in Mexico, the human rights group said the United States, which will host three-quarters of the matches, was experiencing a “human rights emergency” driven by mass deportations, aggressive immigration enforcement and restrictions on protests.
“There are huge risks around this tournament,” Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of economic and social justice, told Reuters.
“This does not feel like … the safe, free, and equal World Cup and the inclusive World Cup that was promised eight years ago when it was awarded, but also may be quite different from how it felt even just 18 months ago.
“It’s a deeply troubling time in the U.S., which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations.”
The U.S., Mexico and Canada will co-host the finals.
FIFA has been contacted for comment.
MASS ARRESTS AND DEPORTATIONS
Amnesty said more than 500,000 people were deported from the U.S. last year, more than six times the capacity of New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium which hosts the final.
The group said mass arrests and deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies had torn communities apart and could spill into World Cup celebrations.
Amnesty called on FIFA to use its “enormous leverage” with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to secure public guarantees that immigration enforcement would not take place around stadiums, fan zones, watch parties or other World Cup-related events.
“We need clear assurances there will be no ICE presence around venues so people can attend without fear of arbitrary arrest or deportation,” Cockburn said.
He called for guarantees that planned protests would be allowed and facilitated.
Amnesty said bans on fans from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Iran entering the country should be lifted, and protective measures put in place for LGBTQ+ fans.
RISKS IN MEXICO AND CANADA ALSO
In Mexico, where authorities have announced the deployment of around 100,000 security personnel, including 20,000 troops, the group warned that heavy militarisation could lead to abuses and the suppression of protests.
Mexico has a long history of human rights violations linked to military deployments, including enforced disappearances and torture, Cockburn said.
He noted that residents have already protested against gentrification, housing displacement and water shortages linked to World Cup preparations.
On the opening day of the tournament in Mexico City, women’s groups plan to march to demand justice for relatives who have disappeared.
Cockburn said Amnesty wanted FIFA, the security forces and Mexican government to ensure that happened and allow a spotlight on the issue.
In Canada, Amnesty pointed to concerns that World Cup preparations could worsen conditions for homeless people.
The group fears efforts to “beautify” Vancouver and Toronto could lead to the homeless being forcibly moved from encampments, echoing what occurred during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The group noted the recent closure of a winter warming centre used by homeless people in Toronto after the venue was booked for FIFA-related activities.
NOT SAYING ‘DON’T GO’
“This event will generate billions of dollars of economic impact and bring hundreds of thousands of jobs to our country. The President is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history,” a White House spokesperson said.
The Office of the Minister of Public Safety said Canada was committed to hosting a World Cup “that reflects our values of respect for human rights, inclusion, and the rule of law”.
“We take these issues seriously and remain actively engaged with all levels of government, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure the tournament is secure, fair, and welcoming for everyone,” said a spokesperson.
There was no immediate response from authorities in Mexico.
Amnesty said fans should be aware of the risks and their rights before travelling.
“We’re not saying don’t go. We’re not saying don’t enjoy it,” Cockburn said. “I really hope the fans do go and enjoy it. But it’s been about knowing the reality and making those judgements.”
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By Kunle Solaja.
The line-up is complete: 48 teams will contest the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, and the first to be staged across three nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iraq sealed the final spot, ending a 40-year absence from the global showpiece.
The West Asian side last appeared at the 1986 Mexico tournament and, in a fitting twist, booked their return to a tournament that will again kick off on Mexican soil. The expanded field features a compelling mix of global heavyweights, established contenders and four debutants, underscoring the tournament’s new, inclusive format.
With the stage now fully set for the June 11 to July 19 spectacle, the world’s finest are ready. These are the competitors:
· UNITED STATES – qualified as hosts.
Best performance: Third place (1930)
- MEXICO – qualified as hosts.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
- CANADA – qualified as hosts
Best performance: Group stage (1986, 2022)
- JAPAN – Qualified on: March 20
Best performance: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
- NEW ZEALAND – Qualified on: March 24
Best performance: Group stage (1982, 2010)
- IRAN – Qualified on: March 25
Best performance: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- ARGENTINA – Qualified on: March 25
Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
- UZBEKISTAN – Qualified on: June 5
Best performance: Never previously qualified
SOUTH KOREA – Qualified on: June 5
Best performance: Fourth place (2002)
- JORDAN – Qualified on: June 5
Best performance: Never previously qualified
- AUSTRALIA – Qualified on: June 10
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
- BRAZIL – Qualified on: June 10, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
- ECUADOR – Qualified on: June 10, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006)
- URUGUAY – Qualified on: September 4, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1930, 1950)
- COLOMBIA – Qualified on: September 4, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2014)
- PARAGUAY- Qualified on: September 4, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
- MOROCCO – Qualified on: September 5, 2025
Best performance: Semi-finals (2022)
- TUNISIA – Qualified on: September 8, 2025
Best performance: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
- EGYPT – Qualified on: October 8, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (1934)
- ALGERIA – Qualified on: October 9, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (2014)
- GHANA – Qualified on: October 12, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
- CAPE VERDE – Qualified on: October 13, 2025
Best performance: Never previously qualified
- SOUTH AFRICA – Qualified on: October 14, , 2025
Best performance: Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
- QATAR – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Group stage (2022)
- ENGLAND – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1966)
- SAUDI ARABIA – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (1994)
- COTE D’IVOIRE – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Group stage (2006, 2010, 2014)
- SENEGAL – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2002)
- FRANCE
Qualified on: November 13, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1998, 2018)
- CROATIA – Qualified on: November 14, 2025
Best performance: Runners-up (2018)
- PORTUGAL – Qualified on: November 16, 2025
Best performance: Third place (1966)
- NORWAY – Qualified on: November 16, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (1938, 1998)
- GERMANY – Qualified on: November 17, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
- NETHERLANDS – Qualified on: November 17, 2025
Best performance: Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)
- BELGIUM – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Third place (2018)
- AUSTRIA – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Third place (1954)
- SWITZERLAND – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1934, 1938, 1954)
- SPAIN – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Winners (2010)
- SCOTLAND – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Group stage (1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998)
- PANAMA – Qualified on: November 19, 2025
Best performance: Group stage (2018)
- HAITI – Qualified on: November 19
Best performance: Group stage (1974)
CURACAO – Qualified on: November 19, 2025
Best performance: Never previously qualified
- SWEDEN – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Runners-up (1958)
- TURKEY – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Third place (2002)
- CZECH REPUBLIC – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Runners-up (1934, 1962)
- BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Group stage (2014)
- DR CONGO – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Group stage (1974)
- IRAQ – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Group stage (1986)
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