International qualifiers, in which teams compete to reach a tournament, can be complex and unpredictable. But they can also be a vital source of interest in the sport, helping nations invest in better facilities and attract more fans.
With only two rounds remaining, the road to 2026 is starting to take shape. Here’s how it works:
Europe (16): The 54 European nations not participating in the UEFA Nations League have been divided into 12 groups of four or five teams, with group winners qualifying directly for the World Cup and the second-place finishers entering a play-off for Europe’s final four berths.
Oceania (1): New Zealand have already claimed the continent’s only guaranteed berth at the World Cup, which they will host. The rest of the region’s places will be decided in an intercontinental playoff involving teams from Afc, Caf and Conmebol.
Asia (8): With their 3-2 win over Indonesia on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia are now just one victory away from securing the last of the region’s automatic berths. If the reigning Asian champions can defeat their next opponents – Iraq or Oman – they will move on to Round 4, where they will join fourth-placed Indonesia in October 2025.
Round 1: The 24 lowest-ranked nations played a series of two-legged ties, with the top 10 qualifying.