FIFA World Cup 2026: Croatia qualifies as record 48-team tournament takes shape

A record 48 teams will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

On Friday, Croatia secured its place with a 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands, while the Netherlands moved closer to qualification with a 1-1 draw against Poland.

A total of 43 teams will earn their spots through continental qualifying tournaments. Another two will be decided in intercontinental playoffs featuring six teams, scheduled for March in Mexico. The three host nations automatically qualify.

Croatia qualifies after beating Faroe Islands

Croatia knew that avoiding defeat in Rijeka would guarantee qualification, but it fell behind in the 16th minute when Geza Dávid Turi scored with a deflected shot. The 2018 World Cup runner-up quickly recovered as Joško Gvardiol leveled in the 23rd minute.

Making his return to the national team after two years, Petar Musa put Croatia ahead 2-1 after halftime from Josip Stanišic's assist. Nikola Vlašic sealed the 3-1 victory with a precise volley from Ivan Perišic's cross.

“Our goal was achieved with a game to spare in the qualifiers. We can proudly say we've qualified,” Gvardiol said. “We'll travel to Montenegro for the final match in a relaxed manner but with the intention of taking all three points, as every game is preparation for what awaits us in the summer.”

It was Faroe Islands' final match in Group L; the team will finish behind runner-up Czech Republic, who advance to the playoffs. Montenegro defeated Gibraltar 2-1 in the group’s other game.

Big draw for the Netherlands

Coach Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands came from behind in Warsaw to draw 1-1 with Poland, taking a major step toward direct qualification in Group G. Memphis Depay’s second-half equalizer canceled Jakub Kaminski’s opener.

“With one match left, we top the group and are three points clear of Poland,” Koeman said. “It is not easy to play against teams who defend very deep. We had to be patient and try different ways to attack, but we didn’t create enough good opportunities.”

The Dutch will face Lithuania in their final match, while Poland takes on Malta.

Germany and Slovakia battle for Group A top spot

Germany secured a top-two finish in Group A after Nick Woltemade scored twice in a 2-0 win over Luxembourg. Slovakia scored late to beat Northern Ireland 1-0, leaving Germany and Slovakia level on points. The two teams will clash in Leipzig to decide the group winner.

“In the second half, the commitment was noticeably better, and we also scored two good goals,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said.

Malta stuns Finland for rare victory

Malta recorded its first win in 2026 World Cup qualifying, defeating Finland 1-0 in Group G. Jake Grech came off the bench in the 79th minute and scored the decisive goal three minutes later.

According to the Malta Football Association, this was only the fourth win ever by Malta in World Cup qualifying, and just the second goal scored by the team in seven qualifiers. Malta rose to fourth in Group G, five points behind Finland.

Qualification breakdown by region

Asia: 8 direct places + 1 in intercontinental playoff

Africa: 9 direct spots + 1 in intercontinental playoff

North & Central America and Caribbean: 3 direct berths (plus three hosts) + 2 in intercontinental playoffs

South America: 6 direct spots + 1 in intercontinental playoff

Oceania: 1 guaranteed spot (New Zealand), possible second via intercontinental playoffs (New Caledonia)

Europe: 16 direct spots

Already qualified teams:

Hosts: United States, Mexico, Canada

Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan

Europe: England, France, Croatia

Oceania: New Zealand

South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay