7M - Final Six Teams Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Six nations secured the final berths for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, completing the historic forty-eight-team roster for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Turkey, Sweden, Czechia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina filled the last available slots, setting the stage for the expanded format that introduces a thirty-two-team knockout phase. The competition runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026.

Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo earned their places through FIFA's intercontinental playoff held in Monterrey, Mexico. Despite facing logistical challenges related to airspace restrictions and visa processing amid ongoing Middle East tensions, the Iraqi squad successfully traveled to compete and secured their spot.

In European playoff action, Bosnia and Herzegovina delivered a stunning upset by eliminating four-time champion Italy, marking the third consecutive World Cup that the Azzurri have failed to qualify for. Italy last appeared in the men's tournament in 2014, though they claimed the European Championship title in 2021. Sweden, who entered the playoffs via their UEFA Nations League ranking after failing to win any qualifying matches, returned to the global stage by defeating Ukraine and Poland.

Turkey's qualification places them in Group D alongside the United States, with the two nations set to meet on June 25 in Los Angeles. Czechia also advanced through the European playoff bracket to complete the field.

Celebrations erupted across the newly qualified nations. Fans filled the streets of Sarajevo, fireworks lit up Baghdad, and Kinshasa declared a national holiday as the Democratic Republic of the Congo marked its first World Cup appearance in fifty-two years.

Separately, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the tournament as scheduled, despite earlier speculation about potential venue changes. Iran, drawn to play three group-stage matches on U.S. soil, had previously requested to relocate its games to Mexico amid security concerns raised by political figures. The team remains eligible to face the host nation in the round of thirty-two should both advance.