The final six nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, completing the expanded 48‑team line‑up for this summer’s tournament.
DR Congo and Iraq were the last two teams to book their places in the 23rd edition of the World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
It rounded off a marathon qualification process that began in September 2023 and spanned six confederations before culminating in the high‑stakes Uefa and intercontinental play‑offs on 31 March.
The final four European teams were confirmed on Tuesday, with the big news being that four-time winners Italy were knocked out by Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Czech Republic, Turkey and Sweden also qualified.
DR Congo and Iraq booked their place with wins over Jamaica and Bolivia respectively.
Of the 48 teams participating, the three hosts qualified automatically while 43 places were earned via direct qualification from the confederations and two spots were determined by intercontinental play-offs.
With the full cast confirmed, attention now shifts towards the biggest World Cup staged.