World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
Europe
Qualifying places available: 16
Teams already qualified: None
No Uefa countries have qualified for 2026 yet, though there’s plenty to play for with 16 places available to European sides.
European qualifying consists of 12 groups, with the group winners all qualifying automatically and the second-placed teams going into a set of play-offs that also includes the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners that have not already qualified. The winners of these play-offs will take the final four spots.
The group stages end in November, with the play-offs taking place in March 2026.
Mike Jones10 October 2025 16:30
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
Algeria and Egypt have become the latest teams to qualify for the World Cup 2026, with more set to join them as international qualification resumes.
With the co-hosts USA, Canada and Mexico, there are now 22 countries confirmed, including two debutants with Jordan and Uzbekistan through to the 48-team finals.
This format means that more nations than ever will qualify from each of the seven main federations, but despite some spots already having been secured, teams in Europe still have a long way to go in their qualifying campaigns.
Mike Jones10 October 2025 16:24
Thomas Tuchel’s ‘silent Wembley’ criticism brings unwanted distraction after England’s progress
Jack Rathborn10 October 2025 16:18
Can Nigeria still qualify for the World Cup?
Last month’s 1-1 draw against South Africa left the three-time African champions six points behind Hugo Broos’s side, effectively ending their hopes of a seventh finals appearance.
However, South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March was later switched to a 3-0 defeat due to Teboho Mokoena’s ineligibility for that fixture.
That means there are just three points separating the top three teams in Group C and Nigeria still have a chance to qualify.
Mike Jones10 October 2025 16:12
Lesotho vs Nigeria line-ups
Mike Jones10 October 2025 16:03
Lesotho early team news
Lesotho’s key stars will look to use familiar territory to their advantage, with South Africa–based stars such as captain Sekhoane Moerane, Thabo Makhele and Motebang Sera, all of whom featured for their respective clubs in the Premier Soccer League over the weekend, in the squad.
Mike Jones10 October 2025 15:54
Nigeria early team news
Chelle went into the international break without Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina and has since had to withdraw Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers due to injury.
Nigeria will lean on the forces of Victor Osimhen, who has been in good form for Galatasaray since returning from his own spell on the treatment table.
Mike Jones10 October 2025 15:48
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live via the Fifa+ streaming service.
Mike Jones10 October 2025 15:42
When is Lesotho vs Nigeria?
Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Lesotho kicks off at 5pm BST on Friday 10 October at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Mike Jones10 October 2025 15:36
Scotland dig deep to beat Greece and keep World Cup dream on track
Scotland were outplayed before Kostas Tsimikas fired the visitors into a 62nd-minute lead at Hampden. But Ryan Christie levelled within two minutes following his own corner and Ferguson marked his 19th cap with a goal 10 minutes from time as Scotland capitalised on another set-piece.
Mike Jones10 October 2025 15:30
