The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to have 48 teams, and it includes different ways for teams to qualify from their regions. Japan and Australia are in the AFC third round, while New Zealand is going through the OFC process, which is exciting because it guarantees them a direct spot for the first time.
Status for Each Team
Japan: Research shows that Japan has likely qualified since they did really well in their AFC group and got their spot early, as mentioned in the latest sports news.
Australia: It looks like Australia is also going to qualify through the AFC, thanks to some important wins that secured their place, although some reports said they were “on the verge,” but that’s now confirmed.
New Zealand: It seems pretty certain that New Zealand qualified directly through the OFC, winning their last round and getting the confederation’s guaranteed spot.
Japan, Australia, and New Zealand Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is the 23rd time this tournament is happening, will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This is the first time it will have 48 teams, increasing from 32 since 1998. This change means more chances for teams to qualify, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) getting up to eight spots and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) getting a guaranteed direct slot for the first time. Qualification started in September 2023, with different rounds happening in each confederation, and it will finish with playoffs in March 2026.
The AFC qualification for 2026 has many rounds. The third round, which will take place from September 2024 to June 10, 2025, has 18 teams split into three groups of six, playing home-and-away matches. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly, while the third and fourth teams will move on to a fourth round for more spots.
Japan’s Journey: Japan performed exceptionally well, topping their group and qualifying early, they were the first team to secure their spot on March 20, 2025, marking their eighth consecutive appearance.
Australia’s Journey: Australia, led by coach Tony Popovic, revitalized their efforts with important victories, including a 3-1 win against China and a draw with Japan. The NBC Sports article states they “secured their spot,” indicating they finished among the top two in their group.
OFC Qualification (New Zealand)
The OFC qualification process, as described on the Wikipedia page updated March 21, 2025, took place from September 2024 to March 24, 2025. This was the first time the OFC had a direct slot, featuring a three-round format:
First round: The four lowest-ranked teams competed in a knockout round in September 2024, with Samoa moving forward.
Second round: Eight teams were divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing.
Third round: Four teams faced off in a knockout round in March 2025, where New Zealand emerged victorious and qualified directly, while New Caledonia moved on to the inter-confederation playoffs.
