Sports
Road to 2026: Eight Nations Punch Their Tickets For Historic FIFA World Cup (Full list)
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is gathering momentum as eight countries have officially secured their places in what is set to be the most expansive edition of the global showpiece yet.
For the first time in history, the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams—an increase from the previous 32.
The historic competition will kick off at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which will become the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches.
The United States will begin their campaign the following day in Southern California, while Canada will also feature prominently as co-hosts.
SEE MORE: FIFA 2026: Uzbekistan Celebrates First-Ever World Cup Qualification
The 8 Early Qualifiers Set the Pace
Leading the pack of early qualifiers is Argentina, the reigning world champions, who confirmed their ticket in spectacular fashion.
A commanding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires highlighted their dominance, with goals from Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone. The win underscores Argentina’s intent to defend their title on North American soil.
In Asia, Japan became the first team globally to qualify, continuing their regional dominance.
The Samurai Blue went unbeaten in their qualification group, winning six matches and drawing one.
Iran followed closely behind, securing their place after another solid qualifying campaign. This marks their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance (2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026), and their seventh overall.
In a historic first, Uzbekistan booked their ticket to the tournament after a tense goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. It was enough to clinch second place in Group A of the Asian qualifiers.
The result triggered nationwide celebrations as the Central Asian nation prepares for its World Cup debut.
Meanwhile, New Zealand return to the global stage after a 16-year absence. The All Whites sealed qualification with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia.
Despite a goalless first half and the early injury of veteran striker Chris Wood, the team delivered a strong second-half performance to confirm their spot.
As co-hosts, Canada, Mexico, and the United States automatically qualify for the 2026 edition, in accordance with FIFA rules for tournament hosts.
Their participation was guaranteed without going through the qualifiers, although all three nations competed in the previous 2022 tournament through the regular route.
Slot Allocation for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The expanded format distributes qualification slots across confederations as follows:
UEFA (Europe): 16 slots
CAF (Africa): 9 slots
AFC (Asia): 8 slots
CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots
CONCACAF (North & Central America): 6 slots
OFC (Oceania): 1 slot (awarded for the first time)
Intercontinental Playoffs: 2 additional slots
With more places available and several regions still in the thick of qualifiers, anticipation is building globally.
The journey to the 2026 World Cup is far from over, but for eight nations, the dream is already becoming a reality.
Portuguese football tactician Carlos Queiroz has made a surprise return as head coach of Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars.
The Ghana Football Association announced the 73-year-old’s reappointment on Thursday, weeks after he appeared to signal his departure from the team following their exit from the FIFA World Cup.
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Queiroz took charge of Ghana in April and guided the Black Stars to the last 32 of the tournament before they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Shortly after the loss, the Portuguese coach appeared to announce his departure on social media.
However, following subsequent discussions, the Ghana FA has decided to bring him back for another spell.
The duration of Queiroz’s new contract was not disclosed, but the football association said he would be tasked with preparing the Black Stars for “a successful new phase on the international stage.”
The GFA said Queiroz’s extensive international experience, technical expertise and knowledge of the Black Stars made him the right man to lead the team into its next chapter.
Queiroz has managed several national teams, including Portugal, Iran, Egypt, South Africa, Colombia and Qatar.
He also had two spells as assistant manager at Manchester United under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
His immediate priority will be Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with the qualifiers scheduled to begin later this month.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia, although the dates and venues for their opening two matches are yet to be announced.
The Ghana FA said further details on Queiroz’s mandate would be released in due course.
Nigerian winger Femi Azeez has completed a remarkable rise from non-league football to the Premier League after joining Brighton & Hove Albion from Millwall on a four-year contract.
The transfer, for an undisclosed fee, was completed after Brighton and Millwall submitted a deal sheet before the initial 11pm transfer deadline, extending the window until 1am on Wednesday.
Azeez, 25, joins Brighton following an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with Millwall, where he played a key role in the club’s push for the Championship play-offs.
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The Nigerian made 77 appearances for Millwall, scoring 15 goals and registering 13 assists. His impressive performances also earned him places in the PFA and EFL Championship Teams of the Season.
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave welcomed Azeez to the club, describing him as one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Championship.
“We are delighted to add Femi to the squad. He arrives off the back of an excellent season with Millwall, having played a key role for them as they finished in the playoffs,” Cave said.
“He was one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Championship, and we’re delighted to have finally agreed his transfer, and we now look forward to working with him.”
Azeez’s journey to the Premier League has been unconventional. After spending time in Watford’s youth setup, he moved into non-league football with Northwood before spells at Wealdstone and Hanwell Town.
He subsequently earned a move to Reading in 2019 before joining Millwall in 2024, steadily working his way up the English football pyramid.
The winger has also made a strong start to his international career with Nigeria. On his senior debut in June, Azeez scored both goals in the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe.
Four days later, he provided an assist as Nigeria defeated Jamaica 3-0.
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been convicted of drink-driving in Gran Canaria, Spain, after a court found him to have been driving with an alcohol level more than three times above the legal limit.
A court source confirmed the conviction to AFP on Wednesday, stating that the 23-year-old centre-back was fined €14,400 ($16,700) and had his driving licence suspended for eight months.
The case followed an incident on August 16 and was heard at a trial in San Bartolome de Tirajana, a village in Gran Canaria.
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Asencio, who is from the Canary Islands, was not with Real Madrid’s squad at the time of the incident as he was recovering from a hamstring injury suffered at the end of July.
The conviction comes amid another legal case involving the defender. Asencio is due to face a separate court hearing in Gran Canaria over the alleged non-consensual sharing of a sexual video dating back to 2023.
Spanish media reports say Asencio expects to be cleared in that case if the two women filmed in the video formally forgive him.
Three former Real Madrid reserve players are also on trial over allegations that they recorded and distributed the video. The trial is scheduled for September 3, 4 and 7.
The latest conviction adds to a difficult period for the young Real Madrid defender, who has been dealing with both injury and legal issues off the pitch.
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