Slots by confederation

Expansion to 48 teams meant every confederation received more places. The allocation rewards the global growth of the game while keeping a competitive balance across regions.

• UEFA (Europe): 16 teams
• CAF (Africa): 9 teams
• AFC (Asia): 8 teams
• CONMEBOL (South America): 6 teams
• CONCACAF (North & Central America): 6 teams, including the three hosts
• OFC (Oceania): 1 team
• Intercontinental play-offs: 2 teams

The hosts

As co-hosts, the United States, Canada and Mexico qualified automatically, taking three of CONCACAF’s six guaranteed berths. The remaining places were settled through regional qualifying competitions held across 2023 to 2026.

The final tickets

The last two places were decided by a six-team intercontinental play-off staged in March 2026. Combined, these routes filled the 48-team field for the biggest World Cup ever — a tournament that, for the first time, guarantees a place for every region of the football world.