After Spain's Nations League victory last night they added another trophy to their cabinet making them one of the most successful international footballing nations ever. But their fans are not going to believe which teams are above them. We've ranked the teams on the basis of any international trophies they've won but the teams who have won the World Cup or have performed well in it are always going to have more value to their name.

13. New Zealand

In 13th position we've New Zealand men's national football team. Though they've not been that successful in the world cup stage, New Zealand has won the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) five times. They became champions in 1973 for the first time and then in 1998, 2002, 2008 and the last one was in 2016.

12. Australia

In no. 12 we have the Australian football team. They've also won the OFC Nations Cup for a record four times, respectively in 1980, 1996, 2000 and the last one was in 2004. Other than OFC Nations Cup, they've also won the Asian Cup in 2015 for the very first time since 2007. But their biggest achievements are ought to be the Round of 16 finishes in two World Cups, 2006 and 2022 respectively and being Runners-up in 1997 in Fifa Confederation Cup.

Australia is also home to players like Craig Johnson, Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill and many more who have made the nation proud in international stages.

11. Cameroon

The Cameroon national football team is also known as the indomitable lions. They've eight world cup appearances since 1982. Their best campaign was in 1990 where they reached the quarter finals of the World Cup. In 2003 they've been runners-up in FIFA Confederation cup. As per trophies, they've won Africa Cup Of Nations for a record five times.

Their top goal scorer is Samuel Eto'o and definitely one of the greatest Cameroon players ever. Arsenal's Lauren was also one to watch out for. And in recent times, Andre Onana, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Joel Matip have also made their country proud. They play in top clubs in Europe.

10. Spain

Spain has also won 5 trophies in total, but their impact on world stages is immense in recent times, making them one of the most successful international teams ever. They've won the World Cup against Netherlands in 2014 and the European Championship consecutively in 2008 and 2012 respectively, and 3 times in total.

From 2008 to 2012, it was regarded as the golden generation for Spanish football. They had won everything they could've win except the Nations League, which they went on to win in 2023, completing Europe and ending the 10 year long trophy drought.

Spain has given us some of the most prolific midfielders like Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi Alonso, etc and with that the master of possession game, the tiki taka. It is arguably the best footballing chemistry ever.

9. Italy

The Italian players are one of the greatest footballers to have ever graced the game. They are a massive footballing nation and easily one of the most successful international football teams ever, they have won the World Cup for four times in eighteen appearances, last in 2006. They're one of the oldest footballing nations ever with Uruguay West Germany, Brazil, etc. They've also won the European Championship on two occasions, most recently in 2021, which was supposed to happen on 2020. They've six trophies altogether but their worth as a footballing nation is much more than that.

Italy has produced some of the greatest defenders of our time and are still producing players like Bastoni and Acerbi. They wouldn't let any ball pass or anyone through. They would save them with their lives. Some of those defenders were Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta, Giorgio Chiellini and many more.

8. Egypt

The Egyptian national football team is known as the Pharaohs. They've won eight major trophies, seven of them are Africa Cup of Nations, the first being in 1957 and last one in 2010 and the remaining one is the Arab Cup. In their five appearances there, they've been crowned champions only once in 1992.

In 2018, the "Egyptian King", Mohamed Salah guided Egypt only into their third World Cup which is an honour in itself.

7. France

The French players are one of the greatest powers in the footballing world. Over the years we've seen some brilliant talented French players who have brought glory to their country. Just like Italy and Spain, France is also one of the most successful international football teams ever.

They've won the World Cup twice, most recently in 2018 and was on the verge of winning it again in 2022, until Messi's Argentina stopped them from doing so. They've also won the European Championship twice, in 1984 and 2000 respectively. They've appeared only once in the Nations League Finals and the CONMEBOL - UEFA Cup of Champions and have won both of those tournaments in their first time. They've also been crowned champions in the Olympic games. And they also have two FIFA Confederations Cup trophies. This just shows you how great the France national team has really been.

Over the years we've witnessed some greatest french talents, some of those names are Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Michel Platini, Patrick Vieira and many more.

6. Germany

In no. 6 we have the European Giants, Germany. Between 1949 and 1990, separate German national teams were recognised by FIFA due to Allied occupation and division : the DFB's team representing the Federal Republic of Germany, commonly referred to as West Germany and the German democratic republic which was used to known as East Germany. In 1990 both were absorbed with their records.

The Germans are considered one of the most focused and consistent footballers ever because of their record in the international stages. They've been in the knockout stages of major tournaments more than any team in the world which shows how consistent they really are. They've been World Champions for four times in 20 appearances since 1934, most recently in 2014. They've won the Euros thrice, in 1972, 1980 and 1996 respectively. The Germans also have a Gold Medal in the summer Olympic Games. And they've also been crowned FIFA Confederation Cup champions in 2017.

Germany have created many great talents, one of which was Mesut Ozil. He had won the German Player of the Year award for 5 times. Some people referred to him as the "German Zidane", that's how good he was.

5. United States of America

The USA has not won the World Cup yet but they've appeared in 11 of them. They've won the CONCACAF Championship / Gold Cup for a record seven times. They've won the Nations League Finals twice, most recently in 2023. They defeated Canada, 2-0 in that game. They've four Copa America appearances and their best performance was when they finished fourth. In 2024, the Copa America is gonna happen invNorth America, it would be interesting to see what USA would do in their home ground. They've also been runners-up in the FIFA Confederation Cup in their four appearances.

The USA football team have a good strong core of young players now if they can build upon it they might achieve something very big and can well be most successful international football teams ever.

4. Mexico

The Mexicans are also one of the oldest breeds of football players. They've been around in the world stages since 1930. They've never won the World Cup but has seventeen world cup appearances and have also reached the quarter finals twice, in 1970 and 1986 respectively. But in CONCACAF Gold Cup they're the best team ever, having won the tournament for eleven times. They've also won the FIFA Confederation Cup in 1999. They've won a total of twelve trophies, just three more than their arch rivals, USA.

3. Uruguay

Uruguay is one of the most successful international football teams in terms of trophies. They've won the Copa America for a record fifteen times. They were crowned World Champions in the very first edition of the World Cup and then they've won it again in 1950. They've come fourth in FIFA Confederation Cup and also have two Gold Medals in the Olympic games. Making them third on the list with nineteen silverware to their name.

Uruguay has created two of the most dangerous and threatening strikers the world have ever seen, namely Diego Forlan and Luiz Suarez. When they stepped on the pitch, they guaranteed goals and chaos in the opposition box.

2. Brazil

Brazil is probably the most successful international football team ever. Over the years they've produced some great football players who have mesmerised us with their skills. The 2002 Brazilian team was one of the best footballing teams in the history of the game. What makes the Brazilians so great? Their five World Cup trophies. No team has even won more World Cup titles than them. And the skill with which they did, it was magnificent. They have also won the Copa America for nine times. The Panamerican Championship twice and the FIFA Confederation Cup four times.

Some of the legendary players who've played in Brazil are Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Zico, Cafu, Roberto Carlos and the list doesn't stop. They were all skillful and decorated in their own unique way and when they played together, it was magical for the viewers.

1. Argentina

And the final name on the list is Argentina, top of the pile. The most successful international football team and the most decorated one too with 22 trophies. The reigning World Champions have given us two of the footballing Gods, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Argentina and their fans have always been derived by passion and their love for the game, which reflects upon their gameplay.

They've been crowned World Champions for three times, most recently in 2022. In their 43 appearances in Copa America they been able to win it fifteen times. They've also won the Pan American Championship once, the COMMEBOL - UEFA Cup of Champions once and the FIFA Confederation once.

No international teams has a trophy cabinet more decorated than Argentina and it simple makes them the most successful team in terms of trophies won.

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Lamine Yamal came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old. He quickly became an important player and won the Kopa Trophy the next year.

He also rose fast with the Spainish National Team, playing for youth teams before making his senior debut in 2023. At 16, he became the youngest player to play and score for Spain.

He took part in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Young Player of the Tournament award.

Read Also | La Masia graduates currently playing for FC Barcelona

Club Records | FC Barcelona

La Liga Records 

1. Youngest Player to Debut for Barcelona

Since making his professional debut in 2023 at just 15 years 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, the fleet-footed forward has quickly become a key part of Barcelona's attack. He has scored 22 goals in 98 appearances for the club.

2. Youngest Starter in La Liga for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona on August 20, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 38 days. He surpassed the previous record of Fabrice Olinga, who started his first La Liga game for Malaga in 2012.

3. Youngest Player to Record an Assist for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to record an assist for Barcelona in La Liga during the 2023-24 season. At 16 years and 45 days old, he achieved this record against. 

4. Youngest Goal scorer for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga history at just 16 years and 87 days old, netting his first goal against Granada and breaking the previous record held by Fabrice Olinga.

5. Youngest Goal scorer in La Liga History

Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga after scoring against Granada in Barcelona's 2-2 draw.

6. Youngest Player to Score a Brace in La Liga

On 11 February, in the game versus Granada, the Barcelona wonder-kid set the new record as the youngest scorer of a brace in La Liga. He did it at the age of 16 years 213 days.

7. Youngest Player to Feature in El Clasico

Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in a Clasico in the 23-24 season at the age of 16 years and 107 days.

Read Also | Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time

8. Youngest Goalscorer in El Clásico History

Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goal scorer in El Clasico at just 17 years and 105 days old, on  October 26, 2024, netting the third goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, surpassing Ansu Fati's record.

9. Youngest Player with 10+ Goal Contributions in La Liga

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score 10+ goals in La Liga at the age of 16 years and 213 days.

10. Youngest Player to Reach 50 Official Games for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in FC Barcelona's history to reach 50 official games. He achieved this milestone on May 19, 2024, at the age of 16 years, 10 months, and 6 days.

11. Youngest Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance on April 30, 2025, in a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, at 17 years old.

12. Most Dribbles Completed in a Single La Liga Match

In a single La Liga match, Lamine Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles this season, reaching 11 against Alaves, surpassing Lionel Messi's record of 10 dribbles in 2007. No other player has completed more than 7 successful dribbles in a single La Liga match the current season.

Champions League Records

1. Second-youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League 

Lamine Yamal became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League against Antwerp at 16 years and 68 days, only behind Youssoufa Moukoko at 16 years and 18 days.

2. Youngest player named in a Champions League starting lineup

Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest player to be named in a Champions League starting lineup. He was 16 years and 83 days old when he started the game against Porto on October 4, 2023.

3. Youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout phase

Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to appear in the knockout stage when he started the round of 16 first leg against Napoli, aged 16 years 223 days.

4. Youngest player to score a goal in a Champions League semi-final match

Playing his 100th game at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, overtaking the record set by Kylian Mbappe, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017.

Read Also | Champions League winners list since 1955/56

International Records | Spanish National Team

1. Youngest Player to Debut for Spain

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for Spain on September 8, 2023, against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier, breaking Gavi’s record at 17 years, 62 days.

2. Youngest Goal scorer for Spain

Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days. He netted a goal in his debut match against Georgia in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier breaking Gavi's record.

3. Youngest Goal Scorer in a UEFA Euro Qualifying Match

Became the youngest goal scorer in his debut match against Georgia, to score in a Euro Qualifier. He broke Gareth Bale's previous record at 17 years and 83 days.

Read Also | Top 5 Goal scorers of UEFA Euro 2024

UEFA Euro 2024

Lamine Yamal was a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. He scored 1 goal against France and provided 4 assists, showing great skill and confidence for his age. 

His performances helped Spain win their fourth European title, and he was named the Young Player of the Tournament for his standout play. 

Following the sacking of Dorival Junior as the head coach of the Brazil national team, a move that was prompted by the Selecao's significant 1-4 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, the media commenced speculations discussing potential replacements.

Besides Carlo Ancelotti, Jorge Jesus has also been named as a potential candidate. However, The 70-year-old Portuguese coach has responded to these rumours, denying any negotiation with CBF to be appointed as the next head coach of Brazil, discarding the possibility as of now.

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil

In an interview with UOL, Jesus, who is currently at the helm of Saudi club Al-Hilal, assured that he has not been contacted by anyone from the Brazilian Football Federation. "No one has spoken to me, at least until today," he stated.

The 'Globo' network has indicated that Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is the front-runner to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.

The network also pointed out that Jorge Jesus is not keen to leave his position at Al-Hilal since he expects to stay with the Saudi Pro League side until the end of the AFC Champions League Elite, which concludes on May 3, 2025.

🚨🇧🇷 Jorge Jesus has given his initial availability to become new Brazil head coach, after the end of the season with Al Hilal.

Decision now up to the Brazilian Federation as dream target Carlo Ancelotti surely won’t be available before end of July. pic.twitter.com/122t3HfTbw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2025

Further, the network added that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was the initial choice; however, he is not ready to leave his present job before the end of the 2025 Club World Cup.

The Portuguese coach aims to lead Al-Hilal to triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite and might consider stepping down before the Club World Cup to assume the coaching duty at the Brazilian national team.

Jesus addressed his relationship with Neymar

Recent developments have witnessed prominent figures such as Carlo Ancelotti and Filipe Luis pulling out of contention as of now to take over the Brazil job, solidifying Jesus's position as the front-runner.

Read Also | Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti 

This development might be a hurdle for Neymar Jr, who reportedly had a strained relationship with the Portuguese coach. 

Their stint together at Al-Hilal was filled with challenges, ending with Neymar leaving Al-Hilal to join Santos under controversial circumstances after being informed that he was not part of Jesus's long-term vision for the team.

When asked on the 'Charla Podcast' about the possibility of reuniting with Jesus in the national setup, Neymar seemed visibly uncomfortable and opted to answer otherwise. "I have nothing to do with this. I'm just a player; don't involve me in this. I'm out," he stated.

However, Jorge Jesus opened up about his relationship with Neymar. In the interview with UOL. "I have no issues with Neymar, but no club or national team can depend on individual players," the coach said, dismissing any conflicting triggers.

Read Also | Brazil fail without Neymar: these stats prove that

The situation raises questions about Neymar's future with the national team and the possible impact of this appointment on the team's dynamics. However, Brazil seeks to bounce back from their recent stint of setbacks and appoint a coach who can lead the team to the coveted success with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.

Laliga clubs regularly own some of the biggest names in the world of football. Many of their top stars have come from abroad, often moving from the Premier League to La Liga. However, some superstars were not so successful in Laliga after the transfers. 
Trent Alexander Arnold is more likely to be the next biggest football transfer from the Premier League to Laliga. 
Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga:  

10. Conor Gallagher | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €35 million:

Conor Gallagher was one of the key players for Chelsea in his final season. He is a Chelsea academy player, despite being an academy graduate of Chelsea, the Blues sold him to the Laliga side Atletico Madrid for €35 million and became one of the players with the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.

He has seemed a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s managed side, though he has rotated with other midfielders. Gallagher scored an important Champions League goal against Real Madrid, during a round of 16 match in which Atletico was heartbreakingly beaten on penalties.

9. Ferran Torres | Manchester City to FC Barcelona | €46 million:

FC Barcelona paid €46 million to Ferran Torres from Manchester City in 2022. But he was never able to prove his worth in FC Barcelona, he was one of the failed yet one the biggest transfers from the Premier League to Laliga.

The winger had never scored more than 10 goals in a single campaign for the La Liga giants. Torres played 145 games at Barcelona and has started almost exactly half (73), which shows the coaches he has played under have been aware that he cannot impact games.

8. Raphinha | Leeds United to FC Barcelona | €50 million:

Raphinha was not a major signing for FC Barcelona, yet among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In the first season, Raphinha scored 14 goals and contributed in 15 goals. However, in the 2024/25 season, Raphinha found his lost form under Hansi Flick as he scored 27 goals and delivered 20 assists. Now the Brazilian winger is one of the players who is getting Ballon d'Or shouts in 2025.

7. Diego Costa | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €57 million:

Costa played for Atletico Madrid on a few different occasions. He had already left once before coming back in 2010 by the time he moved to Chelsea in 2014, and four years later, he was back, with Atletico Madrid paying €57 million for him.

Diego Costa was one of the players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In his final season before leaving for the Premier League, Costa scored 36 goals, and in three seasons at Stamford Bridge, he scored 59 goals and 21 assists. The Spanish forward 81 games in four seasons after his return but scored just 19 goals in that time.

6. Luis Suarez | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €75 million:

Barcelona had seen enough from Suarez in just two and a half seasons at Liverpool to sign him for an initially reported fee of £75million. That he’d move onto bigger things was unsurprising after notching 31 goals and 13 assists in his final season in the Premier League.

Luis Suarez was one of the key players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. The Uruguayan forward scored 195 goals and assisted 113 in 283 games, in his second season at Barca, scoring a remarkable 40 La Liga goals, along with 18 assists. Across all competitions that season, Suarez scored 54 goals and assisted 24.

5. Julian Alvarez | Manchester City to Atletico Madrid | €80 million:

One of the most recent players to the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga, Julian Alvarez moved to Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window of the 2024 season. He already has 23 goals and five assists this season, including eight direct goal contributions in the Champions League. So far, the move looks a positive one for Alvarez.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United to Real Madrid | €80 million:

Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the best move from the Premier League to La Liga in history. He broke new ground with a transfer worth approximately £80million from Manchester United. The previous world-record transfer was Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, which had stood for eight years.

Ronaldo was one of the most devastating forwards in the world for his entire spell at Real Madrid, scoring 450 goals and assisting 131 in 438 games. Ronaldo is the most successful and among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 while he was a Real Madrid player.

3. Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid | €85 million:

At the time of his transfer to Real Madrid for approximately £85million, Bale’s was a world-record move. Gareth Bale was among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.  

Bale would win five Champions Leagues with Real, as well as three La Liga titles, among many other honors. Throughout seven seasons, he scored 106 goals and assisted 67 times.

2. Eden Hazard | Chelsea to Real Madrid | €130 million:

Eden Hazard was one of the failed transfers yet and second-placed in the list of the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. That he never played 20 La Liga games in a single season, showed how much Hazard struggled, and he retired at just 32 years of age, having played just 10 games in his final season. The Belgian failed to match that single-season total in 76 games across his entire Real Madrid career.

1. Phillipe Coutinho | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €142 million:

The biggest football transfer from the Premier League to La Liga, Barcelona spent an astonishing £142million to sign the midfielder from Liverpool. At Liverpool, he had become an iconic figure, having a direct hand in 97 goals in 201 games.

 After 13 direct goal contributions in his first 18 La Liga games, Coutinho slowed with only seven contributions in the 32 games he played in the season. The Brazilian left for Aston Villa, after only 39 goal contributions in 106 games at Barcelona.

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Brazil's disappointing 4-1 defeat against Argentina at Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires has insecure the head coach's place of Dorival Junior, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico just over a year away. 

Following Tite's departure after Brazil's quarterfinal exit against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, he has been the third coach to lead the team, and the Brazilian is now being tipped to depart as well if he fails to turn around Brazil's national football team's fortune.

🚨🇧🇷 Brazilian Federation are seriously considering a managerial change as now Dorival Junior position is under review.

The dream target for July would be Carlo Ancelotti again, as @geglobo reported — but no negotiations are taking place now as it also depends on Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/RFzPJaDgRR

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 26, 2025

Why Carlo Ancelotti?

CBF president Ednaldo Rodriguez, recently re-elected, had previously identified Carlo Ancelotti as his managerial target in 2023, with Pep Guardiola also considered before the contract extension with Manchester City. However, the Italian has indicated that any discussions would only advance after the FIFA Club World Cup, which Real Madrid will participate in between June and July in the United States of America.

Ancelotti's contract details with Madrid:

Carlo Ancelotti remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2026, and if he secures major silverware, such as Laliga, UEFA Champions League, or the FIFA Club World Cup, club president Florentino Perez is expected to keep him in charge. 

The Italian has previously stated that he would never willingly leave Real Madrid, but should the club end the season trophyless. Brazil may see an opportunity to attract him away. With Carlo Ancelotti's availability uncertain, the CBF is also considering other potential options. 

Among the names being considered is Filipe Luiz, the former Atletico Madrid defender and current Flamengo coach.

Next for Brazil:

Brazil has its next set of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in early June, playing Ecuador away and Paraguay at home. The CBF must now determine whether to keep Dorival Junior until then or appoint an interim manager while negotiations with current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti continue behind the scenes. 

The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.

In 2022, the FIFA World Cup provided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. Lionel Messi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy. 

Read Also: Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead

Key Details on the FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.

The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32, 

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: The groups are set for the European qualifiers

How Do Teams Qualify for the World Cup?

Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each  regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats  

• Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
• A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
• A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
• With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
• With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.

Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs, South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.

Teams That Have Qualified

With qualifications still ongoing the only nations that have qualified are the host nations namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then teams will be struggling to qualify.

1. The USA

Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.

Read Also: 10 Footballers Who Retired And Came Back

2. Mexico

Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.

Read Also | 5 Craziest Football Transfers of All-time

3. Canada

Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.

Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.

Teams from the Qualifier Rounds

4. Japan

Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.

🇯🇵 Japan have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26 | @jfa_samuraiblue

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 20, 2025

Japan surprised the world with their impressive run in the 2022 World Cup, before bowing out from the Round of 16 in a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat against eventual third-place finishers Croatia. However, Japan defeated both Germany and Spain in the group stage to march onto the next round.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.

Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.

SEE YOU IN ‘26 🇳🇿🏆 pic.twitter.com/PiCofS1bVn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 24, 2025

For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.

6. Iran

Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.

Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.

Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌
Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football
Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷
This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa

— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025

Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.

In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.

7. Argentina 

The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26. 

Argentina produced a bolstering performance, beating the Selecaos 4-1, powered by goals from Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone. Matheus Cunha netted the only goal for Brazil.

🇦🇷 Argentina have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 25, 2025

La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela than the required seven points at this point.