Forty-two teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup so far, with six more places up for grabs at next summer's 48-team tournament. Among those to have booked their place already are Curacao, with the Caribbean island becoming the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup. Image: Lionel Messi's Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar and will defend their title in 2026It will be the biggest yet, with 48 nations taking part - 16 more than in Qatar 2022. Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Wales are all in the running to qualify via this route in March - more on that to come below. Image: US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy at the Oval OfficeWorld Cup 2026 match scheduleThe full World Cup match schedule was released after the draw, with the opening game held in Mexico City.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 24, 2026 18:31 UTC