The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is well underway, and history has already been made. In what has become one of the most emotional and inspiring qualification campaigns, Uzbekistan and Jordan have secured spots in the world’s biggest football tournament for the very first time. Alongside them, South Korea continues its consistent run, qualifying for its 11th consecutive World Cup appearance.
These three nations are now officially the eighth, ninth, and tenth teams to book their tickets to the expanded 48-team World Cup set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Their achievements mark an exciting chapter for Asian football, showing how the sport continues to grow and develop across the region.
A Landmark Moment for Uzbekistan Football
Uzbekistan’s national football team has finally reached a long-awaited milestone. Ranked 57th in the world and representing a nation of 36 million people, Uzbekistan played its first international match as an independent country in June 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Two years later, they were officially accepted by FIFA.
The journey to this historic qualification has been anything but smooth for Uzbekistan. Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment came during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, where the team faced Bahrain in a crucial playoff. Uzbekistan won the first leg 1-0, but due to a refereeing error during a penalty kick, FIFA controversially ordered the match to be replayed. The result was a tie on aggregate, and Uzbekistan lost out on away goals, narrowly missing what would have been their first World Cup appearance.
Since then, Uzbekistan has become a regular fixture at the AFC Asian Cup, qualifying for every edition since 1996. Notably, they reached the semi-finals in 2011 and the quarter-finals in 2023. The team’s steady progress over the years has finally paid off, as they clinched a crucial point with a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates to confirm their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jordan Achieves a Historic First
Jordan is another team writing their name into the history books. Ranked 62nd globally, the Jordanian national team has participated in seven World Cup qualification campaigns since making their debut in 1986. While they have enjoyed success at the Asian Cup, including finishing as runners-up in 2023, a World Cup berth had always eluded them — until now.
Their most painful near-miss came in 2014 when they reached an intercontinental playoff against Uruguay. Despite a brave effort, Jordan lost out over two legs, falling short of their World Cup dream.
Fast forward to the 2026 qualifiers, and Jordan’s destiny was finally rewritten. On a night of high tension and emotion, Jordan delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Oman, securing enough points to guarantee their qualification. As news spread through Amman and across the country, fans poured into the streets in celebration. The moment represents not just a sporting achievement, but a symbol of national pride for Jordan’s football-loving population.
South Korea Maintains Its World Cup Legacy
While the headlines naturally focus on Uzbekistan and Jordan, South Korea deserves recognition for their continued consistency. With their 2-0 win against Iraq, the Taeguk Warriors booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking their 11th consecutive qualification.
South Korea, ranked among Asia’s football giants, has been a staple at World Cups since 1986 and famously reached the semi-finals as co-hosts in 2002. The team’s current form suggests they will once again be a strong contender from the Asian region.
Who’s Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup So Far?
With these latest additions, ten teams have now officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup:
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United States (host)
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Canada (host)
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Mexico (host)
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Japan
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New Zealand
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Iran
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Argentina
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Uzbekistan
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Jordan
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South Korea
With an expanded format of 48 teams, there’s still plenty of room for other nations to make history, and qualification campaigns across continents are far from over.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a tournament of firsts — not only will it be the first to feature 48 teams, but it’s also the first time the event will be co-hosted by three countries in North America. With new teams like Uzbekistan and Jordan joining the world’s elite, the event is shaping up to be one of the most inclusive and globally representative tournaments ever.
For fans in Uzbekistan and Jordan, this moment is more than just qualifying for a football tournament — it’s about national identity, pride, and the dream of standing side-by-side with the world’s best on the sport’s greatest stage.
