FIFA Sets the Stage for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The International Football Federation has formally approved the ranking framework and the preliminary draw procedure for the national teams that will compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a process that will shape the pathways to the finals across continents. The event is set against the backdrop of North American hosting duties, with the United States, Canada and Mexico preparing to stage the tournament. The Russian national team was not included in the draw, reflecting ongoing sanctions and participation restrictions. The opening pot now features England, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria, joined by the UEFA Nations League quarterfinalists Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The remaining teams will be allocated to pots 2 through 5 in order of FIFA men’s rankings, ensuring a structured seeding that rewards teams with consistent performance over recent seasons (FIFA).