The race to the 2026 World Cup is underway around the globe. Some countries have already secured spots, with the full number of European qualifiers set to be decided by November. However, most of the continent’s sides have a lot to play for with the expanded 48-team tournament.

Qualifying tournaments are divided into a series of stages, usually consisting of groups or knock-out ties. The teams are then ranked against each other to determine which nations will join the finals in June 2026. The top six in each zone qualify automatically, while the seventh-placed team qualifies through intercontinental play-offs.

During the group phase, teams typically face each other twice over two legs and earn points for each win. Each team also receives three bonus points for a win over a higher-ranked rival. If the overall standings are level after the last round of group matches, then a play-off on neutral ground (with extra time and penalties if needed) takes place if FIFA deems it feasible to fit it within the coordinated international match calendar.

The remaining four places in the expanded 48-team competition will be won by the 12 best group winners plus four from a playoff of the top 12 group runners-up. This is likely to see the likes of 2010 dark horse Ghana, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and Ivory Coast all finish well ahead of their groups. New Zealand are expected to be the first nation from Oceania to reach the finals, playing either New Caledonia or Tahiti in a one-legged semi-final and final on 24 March to determine the country’s fate.