Whether it’s tactical ingenuity, moments of individual brilliance or unforeseen drama, international qualifiers offer a rich mix of ingredients that create footballing history and identity. They are a cornerstone of the World Cup, and for many fans they define their national team spirit.
Qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup starts this month with a handful of heavyweights from Europe kicking off their campaigns as teams compete for 35 spots at next summer’s tournament.
Qualifying is based on a series of matches played over two legs, with the team scoring more goals qualifying. Away goals are also used to break ties. Extra time and penalty shoot-outs are optional in knockout rounds such as the inter-confederation play-offs or UEFA Nations League semis.
In Europe, the majority of teams in action are competing in the UEFA Nations League this month before the World Cup qualifiers kick off later in the year. Most of the European groups will meet twice over the course of four months in a round-robin format with home and away fixtures.
In Oceania, New Zealand won a two-legged playoff with New Caledonia in March 2025 to qualify for the World Cup and send the runner-up through to the inter-confederation play-offs. Bolivia could also secure a place at the finals in seventh if they win their last two matches, including the tricky second leg at home to Colombia. But they would need Venezuela to lose to Uruguay and Argentina, and Peru to drop points against both.