"The picture for the FIFA World Cup 2026 became a lot clearer on Tuesday when a number of top teams across the continents booked their place at football's global showpiece. The number of confirmed teams has now risen to 28 following the latest round of qualifiers, with another 20 still to be filled by various confederational playoffs, intercontinental playoffs, and in Europe's case the main qualifying stage, which still needs to be completed."
"The tournament is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The first match will be played in Mexico City on June 11, while the final will be staged in New Jersey, US, on July 19. Due to the expansion of the tournament from 32 teams to 48 the 39-day event is the longest in its history. FIFA's intercontinental playoffs will be the last chance saloon for teams around the world to reach next summer's event."
Twenty-eight of 48 teams have qualified following recent continental qualifiers, while 20 places remain to be settled through confederational playoffs, intercontinental playoffs and Europe's ongoing main qualifying stage. England, South Africa and Qatar were among the teams that secured places in the latest round. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, opening in Mexico City on June 11 and concluding in New Jersey on July 19. The expansion to 48 teams makes the 39-day event the longest World Cup in history. Intercontinental playoffs end on March 31, 2026; the draw takes place December 5, 2025.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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