The October 2025 international break witnessed several important matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers from various continents, and several teams have already secured their places in the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The upcoming World Cup is scheduled to feature 48 teams for the first time in history. This increase has led to the qualification process being less intense in many continents, although the Asian qualifiers in particular remain extremely exciting in their various rounds.
Perhaps the most appropriate headline for the October break is the success of the Arab teams in reaching the World Cup. For the first time, seven Arab teams will participate in the World Cup, after the previous best of only four teams in the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Teams Qualified for the 2026 World Cup from Europe
Only one team from Europe has officially secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup: England. This team topped their qualifying group with a perfect record, seven points clear of the nearest runner-up, Albania, with two rounds remaining.
Teams Qualified for the 2026 World Cup from South America
The South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup concluded during the last international break, with six teams advancing: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and Paraguay. Bolivia qualified for the global play-off.
Teams Qualified for the 2026 World Cup from Africa
In September, Morocco and Tunisia secured their places in the World Cup, and Egypt and Algeria were added to the list during the October break. Cape Verde also qualified for the World Cup for the first time in their history, while Ghana, South Africa, Senegal and Cote d’ivoire also secured their places in the 2026 World Cup
Teams Qualified for the 2026 World Cup from Asia
In previous rounds, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Iran qualified for the World Cup. The fourth round was held in October, resulting in Saudi Arabia and Qatar qualifying for the 2026 World Cup for the second consecutive time. The winner of the group between the UAE and Iraq will play in the intercontinental playoff next March.
Teams Qualified for the 2026 World Cup (so far)
Europe: England.
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.
North America: USA, Canada, Mexico.
Africa: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal, Cote d ivoire.
Asia: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar.
Oceania: New Zealand.
