"A total of 145 teams have already been eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Of the 48 teams who will play at next summer's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, 42 places have been decided, with the remaining six to be finalised in March's international break. Four of those will come from Europe's play-off tournament, and the other two will be won via the intercontinental play-offs."
"While some teams will make their World Cup debuts in 2026, such as Curacao, Uzbekistan and Cape Verde, much of next year's line-up is a collection of the biggest footballing nations from across the globe. Despite that, some major footballing countries have missed out on a spot at next year's World Cup. From Europe, Serbia, Greece and Hungary are among the biggest names that will not feature."
145 teams have been eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying, leaving 42 of the 48 tournament spots decided and six to be finalised in March's international break. Four spots will be determined through Europe's play-off tournament and two via intercontinental play-offs. Some nations will make World Cup debuts in 2026, including Curacao, Uzbekistan and Cape Verde, while many established footballing nations have qualified. Several notable countries failed to qualify: European teams such as Serbia, Greece and Hungary; populous nations China and India; African teams Nigeria and Cameroon; and South American teams Venezuela, Peru and Chile. Twenty-two teams remain with possible qualification routes.
Read at www.bbc.com
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