Posted: Wednesday, September 17, 2025. 5:29 pm CST.
Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in an attempt to repeat as World Cup champions. Photo Credit: FIFA World Cup/Facebook
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
The countdown to the biggest FIFA World Cup in history continues with growing intensity. As of mid-September 2025, 18 countries have officially qualified for the 2026 tournament, leaving 30 spots still up for grabs.
With 48 teams set to compete in 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the race to join football’s grandest stage is far from over. From powerhouse nations to rising challengers, the global chase for a place in the expanded format reflects both tradition and transformation—setting the tone for a tournament that promises to be as inclusive as it is unforgettable.
18 Nations Qualified So Far
As of September 2025, the following countries have secured their places:
Host Nations: United States, Mexico, Canada
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Africa: Morocco, Tunisia
Oceania: New Zealand
Europe: None yet – UEFA qualifiers ongoing
Concacaf: Apart from host nations, three direct spots and one play-off tournament place still to be decided
Who’s Still in the Hunt?
With 30 spots left, the race is intensifying across all confederations:
- Africa (CAF): Seven more direct qualifiers will be determined. Top contenders include Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Ghana, and Nigeria.
- Europe (UEFA): 54 teams are battling for 16 places. Group winners qualify directly, while runners-up enter playoffs. Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland are in tight races.
- Asia (AFC): Saudi Arabia and Iraq remain in contention for the final berth through the fourth round.
- South America (CONMEBOL): Bolivia has secured a playoff spot with a historic win over Brazil.
- Concacaf: Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, and Honduras are still in contention for three direct qualification or one playoff berths.
- Intercontinental Playoffs: Six teams will compete for the final two spots in early 2026.
Russia remains banned from the tournament due to ongoing FIFA and UEFA sanctions.
Qualified countries – Photo Credit: FIFA World Cup/Facebook
A New Format: 12 Groups, 48 Teams
For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32. This format increases both the number of matches and the stakes, offering more nations a chance to shine on the world stage.
Opening Matches Across Three Nations
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11 with a double-header in Mexico, honoring its legacy as the only nation to host the tournament three times. The opening match will feature Mexico’s national team at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, followed later that day by Group A’s second fixture at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
On June 12, the spotlight shifts north as Canada hosts its first match at BMO Field in Toronto, while the United States begins its campaign at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. These four matches will launch the tournament across three countries, setting the tone for a month-long celebration of football, culture, and continental unity.
Final and Bronze Medal Matches
FIFA confirmed the final venue lineup on February 4, 2024:
- The World Cup Final will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York/New Jersey).
The third-place playoff will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
These matches will cap off a tournament that spans coast to coast, from Vancouver to Monterrey, Atlanta to Toronto.
Cities in the Spotlight
The 16 host cities include:
- USA: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
- Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
Each venue has been selected for its infrastructure, fan culture, and ability to deliver unforgettable matchday experiences.
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Posted: Wednesday, September 17, 2025. 5:29 pm CST. Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in an attempt to repeat as World Cup champions. Photo Credit: FIFA World
The post FIFA World Cup 2026: 18 nations in, 30 still chasing glory as the countdown continues appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
