The World Cup line-up is complete – here’s what you need to know

The World Cup line-up is complete – here’s what you need to knowImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The World Cup will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States from 11 June to 19 JulyByCiaran VarleyBBC Sport journalistPublished2 minutes agoByAdwaidh RajanBBC Sport journalistThe final six nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, completing the expanded 48‑team line‑up for this summer’s tournament. DR Congo and Iraq were the last two teams to book their places in the 23rd edition of the World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. It rounded off a marathon qualification process that began in September 2023 and spanned six confederations before culminating in the high‑stakes Uefa and intercontinental play‑offs on 31 March. The final four European teams were confirmed on Tuesday, with the big news being that four-time winners Italy were knocked out by Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Czech Republic, Turkey and Sweden also qualified.DR Congo and Iraq booked their place with wins over Jamaica and Bolivia respectively.Of the 48 teams participating, the three hosts qualified automatically while 43 places were earned via direct qualification from the confederations and two spots were determined by intercontinental play-offs.With the full cast confirmed, attention now shifts towards the biggest World Cup staged. How will the tournament work? A record 48 nations – up from the 32 that featured in Qatar four years ago – will take part in the 2026 edition, making it the largest World Cup field, with 104 matches to be played across three countries for the first time. It will take place in 16 cities – 11 in the US, three in Mexico and two in Canada – between 11 June and 19 July.The tournament will also last a record 39 days – an increase from 29 days in Qatar and 32 in 2014 and 2018 – and a new format features 12 groups of four. Mexico will face South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca to open the tournament on Thursday, 11 June – 18 days after the conclusion of the Premier League season.The top two teams from the 12 groups and the eight best third‑placed nations will advance into an expanded knockout phase that will begin with a round of 32. The new world champion will be crowned at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 19 July.World Cup 2026 stadium guide