The ​2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are heating up as 211 national teams battle for 45 coveted spots (plus 3 host nations). With expanded slots for Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF, this guide breaks down the ​latest standings, ​key fixtures, and ​how to stream every match live—plus predictions for surprise qualifiers.

​2026 World Cup Qualifiers Format by Confederation

Each region has unique rules for the 48-team World Cup:

​Confederation ​Slots ​Qualification Process

​UEFA (Europe) 16 12 groups → winners + 4 best runners-up qualify; remaining 3 via playoffs.

​CAF (Africa) 9 (+1) 9 group winners qualify; 4 runners-up enter intercontinental playoffs.

​AFC (Asia) 8 (+1) 8 direct slots; 1 via playoff.

​CONMEBOL 6 (+1) Round-robin league → top 6 qualify; 7th to playoff.

​CONCACAF 6 (+1) Hexagonal final group → top 3 qualify; 4th–6th to playoffs.

​OFC (Oceania) 1 (+1) Winner qualifies; runner-up to playoff.

​Current WC Qualifiers Standings (July 2024)

Key Highlights:

​CONMEBOL: Argentina leads; Brazil struggles at 4th after Neymar’s retirement.

​UEFA: France, England cruise; Italy faces pressure in Group C.

​AFC: Japan and South Korea dominate; Saudi Arabia vs. Australia battle heats up.

​CAF: Morocco tops Group E; Egypt and Senegal neck-and-neck.

Standings Table (Top Teams):

​Confederation ​Leading Team ​Star Performer ​Next Match

CONMEBOL Argentina Lionel Messi (5 goals) vs. Uruguay, Sept 2024

UEFA France Kylian Mbappé (7 goals) vs. Sweden, Oct 2024

AFC Japan Kaoru Mitoma (4 goals) vs. Saudi Arabia, Nov 2024

​WC Qualifiers Schedule: Key Dates

​UEFA: Sept 5, 2024 – Nov 18, 2025 (Matchdays 1–10).

​CONMEBOL: Sept 2024 – Oct 2025 (18 rounds).

​AFC: Oct 2024 – Nov 2025 (Third Round groups).

​CAF: March 2025 – Nov 2025 (Group stage).

Must-Watch Matches:

​Brazil vs. Argentina (Nov 2024) – Messi’s potential final qualifier.

​Italy vs. Ukraine (Oct 2024) – Decider for UEFA playoff spot.

​USA vs. Mexico (March 2025) – CONCACAF’s fiercest rivalry.

​How to Watch WC Qualifiers Live

​Free Streams:

​UEFA: BBC iPlayer (UK), RAI Play (Italy).

​CONMEBOL: Telemundo (USA), DirecTV Sports (Latin America).

​Subscription Services:

​Paramount+ (U.S.): $5.99/month for CONMEBOL matches.

​ESPN+: $10.99/month for CONCACAF qualifiers.

​VPN Hack: Use NordVPN to access free streams from other countries (e.g., Canada’s CBC for UEFA games).

Warning: Avoid illegal streams—ISPs in the U.S. and EU now issue fines up to $2,500.

​Teams Likely to Miss 2026 World Cup

​Italy: Risky UEFA playoff path after 2022 shock exit.

​Chile: CONMEBOL’s crowded race leaves Alexis Sánchez’s squad vulnerable.

​Nigeria: Struggling in CAF Group C behind Rwanda.

​Top Scorers to Watch

​Kylian Mbappé (France): 7 goals in 5 UEFA qualifiers.

​Lautaro Martínez (Argentina): 6 goals in CONMEBOL.

​Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): 5 goals despite team struggles.

​FAQs

Q: When will the USMNT play their next qualifier?

A: March 2025 vs. Costa Rica (CONCACAF Hexagonal).

Q: How many teams automatically qualify from Africa?

A: 9 group winners; 4 runners-up enter playoffs.

Q: Can Cristiano Ronaldo still qualify with Portugal?

A: Yes! Portugal leads UEFA Group B; Ronaldo has 4 goals.

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