The full line-up for the first-ever 48-team World Cup is now complete. A qualifying campaign that began almost three years ago concluded with the final play-offs on Tuesday evening. Four debutants – Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan – will join co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico at the tournament.
England and Scotland will represent the home nations, while Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland missed out. Europe will send 16 teams, including traditional powers such as France, Germany and Spain, as well as surprise qualifiers like Norway and Scotland, who both reached their first men's World Cup since 1998.
Italy suffered further heartbreak, failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties. Sweden secured a play-off place via their Nations League performance, while Turkey returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2002. Austria also qualified automatically, the only European nation not at the 2022 tournament to do so.
In the Americas, Curacao, Panama and Haiti qualified alongside the three co-hosts. Jamaica’s hopes were dashed by a late extra-time goal from Congo DR, who secured their first World Cup appearance since 1974. Africa will have 10 representatives, including debutants Cape Verde, who became the second-smallest country to qualify.
Asia will send nine teams, with Iraq claiming the final spot by beating Bolivia 2-1 in a play-off. Iran’s participation remains uncertain due to the ongoing conflict with the United States, but Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed they will take part. South America’s six qualifiers were decided early, with Argentina leading the pack.
