World Cup qualification: How the big nations have fared so far, who could miss out and who else is in contention to reach the tournament?

The 2026 World Cup is eight months away and 22 teams have now booked their place in the tournament.

Cape Verde are the latest team to qualify after they beat Eswatini 3-0 earlier this week.

The countries who have qualified so far are:

Host nations: Canada, Mexico, United States.

Africa: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde.

Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan.

Oceania: New Zealand.

South America: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia.

But with 26 spots still in play and no European teams as yet officially qualified, we assess where the big footballing nations are currently at in their qualifying campaigns, and who else could also qualify.

European nations

Only the group winners automatically advance to the World Cup, with the second-placed teams advancing to the play-offs along with the four best Nations League group winners who did not finish in the top two in their qualifying group.

Italy

Having missed the last two World Cups, qualification for Italy is absolutely crucial. With three games to go, they are six points behind leaders Norway, though have played a game less. They still have to face Israel, Moldova and Norway, but could face the play-offs unless they catch up to Norway.

Spain

The Euro 2024 champions are only three games into their six group stage games, but have won all three and currently sit top of Group E. They still have to face Bulgaria, Georgia and Turkey.

France

The 2018 World Cup winners have played four, won three and sit top of Group D. They drew with Iceland earlier this week and will play Ukraine and Azerbaijan during the November fixtures.

England

Thomas Tuchel’s side have played five of their eight group games and won all five. A win over Latvia this week will make certain of their place at the World Cup. They also still have to take on Serbia and Albania.

Portugal

With Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the line and scoring goals for fun, Portugal are top of their group with three wins from three. They have three games left, facing Hungary, Ireland and Armenia.

Germany

Germany have played four games and currently sit top of Group A. They have won three times and have nine points, as do Slovakia

Julian Nagelsmann’s side take on Luxembourg and Slovakia in November.

Belgium

Belgium have fourteen points from six games and are top of their group, a point ahead of North Macedonia, who have played a game more.

They are yet to play Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.

Netherlands

The Netherlands look well placed to qualify, sitting top of their group, and three points ahead of Poland. Poland and Lithuania are their remaining opponents.

African nations

The group winners will automatically qualify, while the four best second-placed teams enter a play-off to decide which nation will go to the inter-confederation play-offs, which determines the final two participants in the World Cup.

Nigeria

Nigeria are in a dangerous position. They are third in their group, three points behind Benin and two behind South Africa. They beat Lesotho last week and now face a do or die clash against Benin in their last game.

Ivory Coast

The Ivorians currently lead their group after nine games played. They have one game left, against Kenya, and will guarantee qualification with a win. Gabon are however breathing down their necks on 22 points, only one behind Ivory Coast.

Senegal

Senegal have one game left – against Mauritania – and are top of their group on 21 points. DR Congo are second with 19 points and have also played nine games. Senegal look well placed to qualify.

Cameroon

Cameroon finished second in their group after playing all ten games. They could yet qualify for the play-offs as one of the best second-place teams.

Other nations which have impressed and those who have advanced in qualifying

Europe

Much of the European qualifiers are still in the early stages but of those who have played at least half of their games, there are several who look in a strong position.

Switzerland are top of Group B and have won three from four, Austria are top of Group H having won five from six. Norway top their group having played six and won six. Croatia have won five of their six games and are top of Group L.

Africa

Gabon, Cameroon and Burkina Faso look well placed to advance to the play-offs as three of the second best-placed teams.

Asia

One of Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will automatically advance to the World Cup, as well as one of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia, depending on who comes out on top in their mini group stage tournaments. The remaining nations then compete to be the Asia representative in the inter-confederation play-off.

Oceania

New Caledonia could remarkably reach the World Cup if they win the inter-confederation play-off.

South America

Bolivia could join the rest of their South American rivals in the World Cup if they win the inter-confederation play-off.

Central America

CONCACAF is in its third round of qualifying. Suriname, Curacao and Haiti look best placed to advance automatically to the World Cup at present but it is still all to play for. The two other best second-placed sides will go to the inter-continental play-off.