In an age where a large number of international matches are played at neutral venues, the domestic and regional qualifiers for major tournaments remain one of the most exciting events in football. The competition is usually tense and fierce, with the teams often playing for a lot more than just a place in the tournament itself. If a country manages to qualify for the World Cup, for example, that is a huge accomplishment not just for the nation but also its football association and its communities.
Japan and Iran have become the first sides to book their places in 2026, while Uzbekistan, Jordan and South Korea are also close to doing so. The top two teams in each group, along with the best three runners-up, will advance to the play-offs.
There are still a handful of spots available in Europe (UEFA), though it may take some time before they are all decided. Morocco, Egypt and Portugal are all in good positions to qualify from their groups, while 2010 dark horses Ghana, Ivory Coast and Mohamed Salah’s Egypt may all make it as well if they win their remaining matches.
As for the rest of the world, Oceania’s only direct berth in the finals is already secured by New Zealand. However, the tiny island of New Caledonia — a French overseas territory in the South Pacific — has a good chance to make it to the intercontinental playoffs as one of the highest-ranked runner-ups.