2026 FIFA World Cup – Venues, Teams, Live Stream, and Prize money

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic moment in international football as the tournament expands from 32 teams to 48 teams for the first time. Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the competition will feature a diverse lineup of nations from every continent, making it the largest and most inclusive World Cup in history.

With more teams participating, the tournament will showcase new football cultures, exciting debut nations, and traditional global powerhouses competing for the most prestigious trophy in the sport.

How Teams Qualified for the 2026 World Cup

FIFA increased the number of teams to 48 to allow greater global representation. Each football confederation received additional qualification spots based on competitiveness and regional participation.

The distribution of places includes:

  • UEFA (Europe) – 12 teams
  • CAF (Africa) – 9 teams
  • AFC (Asia) – 8 teams
  • CONMEBOL (South America) – 6 teams
  • CONCACAF (North & Central America) – 6 teams
  • OFC (Oceania) – 1 team

The three host nations United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualified for the tournament.

AFC Teams (Asia)

Asia will send eight teams to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, representing the region’s growing strength in international football.

Qualified AFC Teams

  • Australia
  • Iran
  • Japan
  • Jordan (World Cup debut)
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Korea
  • Uzbekistan (World Cup debut)

Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Iran have strong World Cup experience, while Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their historic first appearances on the world stage.

CAF Teams (Africa)

Africa will have nine teams, the highest representation the continent has ever received in a World Cup tournament.

Qualified CAF Teams

  • Algeria
  • Cape Verde (World Cup debut)
  • Egypt
  • Ghana
  • Ivory Coast
  • Morocco
  • Senegal
  • South Africa
  • Tunisia

African football continues to rise globally, especially after Morocco’s historic semifinal run in the 2022 World Cup, proving the continent can compete with the best teams in the world.

CONCACAF Teams (North America)

The North American region will have six teams, including the three host nations.

Qualified CONCACAF Teams

  • Canada (co-host)
  • Curaçao (World Cup debut)
  • Haiti
  • Mexico (co-host)
  • Panama
  • United States (co-host)

The United States and Mexico are traditionally strong teams in the region, while nations like Curaçao and Haiti add fresh excitement to the tournament.

CONMEBOL Teams (South America)

South America will once again bring some of the most competitive football teams to the World Cup.

Qualified CONMEBOL Teams

  • Argentina (defending champions)
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Paraguay
  • Uruguay

This region includes several of football’s greatest nations, including Argentina and Brazil, who have combined for multiple World Cup titles.

OFC Team (Oceania)

Oceania receives one direct qualification spot.

Qualified OFC Team

  • New Zealand

New Zealand has been the dominant team in the region and will represent Oceania in the expanded 2026 tournament.

UEFA Teams (Europe)

Europe will send 12 teams, many of which are traditional football giants.

Qualified UEFA Teams

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Croatia
  • England
  • France
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Scotland
  • Spain
  • Switzerland

Several former champions, including Germany, France, and Spain, will aim to add another World Cup title to their history.

New Debut Nations in 2026

The expanded format has allowed several countries to make their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Debut teams include:

  • Jordan
  • Uzbekistan
  • Cape Verde
  • Curaçao

These nations will bring fresh energy and new fans to the global tournament.

Why the 2026 Teams Lineup Is Special

The 2026 FIFA World Cup teams lineup represents the most diverse tournament in football history. With more nations participating, fans will witness new rivalries, emerging football powers, and traditional giants competing on the same stage.

The inclusion of debut teams alongside legendary football nations guarantees a tournament full of surprises, passion, and unforgettable moments.

As the world counts down to June 2026, excitement continues to build for what promises to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever played.

Host Cities

A large sports stadium filled with spectators. The field is occupied by soccer players, some walking and others scattered across the pitch. A massive screen displays a person, and flags fly on top of the stadium roof. The audience is dense, and the atmosphere seems lively with a visible banner showing 'BLUE WHITE & GOLD'.

Top Teams

From Argentina to Japan, 48 teams bring passion and skill, including exciting debutants like Jordan and Cape Verde.

A large, illuminated stadium packed with spectators, showcasing a vibrant soccer match. The field is green with visible players in red and white uniforms, and the stands are filled with red and white-clad fans. The stadium structure is visible above, with bright lights casting a glow.

Prize Money

The champions take home $50 million, with a total prize pool of $655 million shared among all teams.

A highly detailed and ornate silver trophy or cup sits on display. It features intricate engravings and elaborate handles with decorative embellishments. The base of the cup includes detailed sculptures of mythical creatures or ornate designs.

Live Streams

Watch every thrilling moment via official apps like Fox Sports, BBC iPlayer, and beIN Connect worldwide.

A large stadium filled with spectators features a vibrant soccer match atmosphere. Massive banners and flags are displayed in the stands on the left, while smoke in red and white colors creates a dramatic effect in the background. Players are lined up on one side of the field, and the stadium is packed with enthusiastic fans.

Match Highlights

Relive unforgettable goals, saves, and celebrations from the group stages to the final showdown.

A large football stadium filled with spectators showcases an ongoing soccer match. The field is green with well-maintained grass, and players are wearing red and white uniforms. The stands are crowded with fans, and the stadium is equipped with lighting structures above.

Meet Teams

From debutants like Jordan and Cape Verde to seasoned powerhouses, the 48 teams bring thrilling diversity.

Learn More

Team Highlights

A gold trophy and a black-and-white soccer ball are placed on a green grass field. The background shows blurred stadium seating, suggesting a sports venue.

Mexico’s passionate fans fill Estadio Azteca for the opening match.

A large soccer stadium with bright overhead lights and a well-maintained green field. Teams are lined up in the center alongside officials, and there is a group gathered nearby, possibly for a pre-match ceremony. The stadium is filled with spectators wearing colorful clothing, and banners and advertisements are visible along the edges of the field. Cameras and officials are positioned on the sidelines to capture the event.

Canada’s home crowd roars as their team scores in Toronto.

An expansive soccer stadium filled with spectators, illuminated by bright overhead lights, showcasing a well-maintained green field with players scattered across it. The stadium's curved roof and seating areas create a grand and dramatic atmosphere.

USA’s squad unites in a powerful moment at SoFi Stadium.