For the first time several teams will play FIFA World Cup 2026; 13 teams including Brazil, Ecuador and Australia qualified

The men's football teams of five-time champions Brazil, Ecuador, and Australia have qualified for the FIFA World Cup to be held in 2026. So far, 13 teams have been confirmed for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year. It is worth noting that the United States, Mexico, and Canada have received automatic qualification as hosts. Simultaneously, former champions Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia are just one step away from securing a ticket to the World Cup. This time, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup starting in June 2026, whereas previously only 32 teams competed in the main tournament.

With Vinicius Junior's goal, Brazil defeated Paraguay 1-0, ending its nine-match unbeaten streak and giving the gift of victory to its new coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Meanwhile, Colombia played to a 1-1 draw with Argentina, keeping its hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive. Defending champion Argentina has already secured its spot in the World Cup.

With a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia, Australia earned its place in the FIFA World Cup for the sixth consecutive time. For Australia, Connor Metcalfe scored during injury time in the first half, and Mitchell Duke found the net in the 48th minute. Australia needed to avoid defeat by a margin of five goals to gain direct entry to the World Cup. Goalkeeper Matt Ryan, playing in his 100th match for Australia, made five crucial saves, including a penalty in the final moments.

Meanwhile, Ecuador qualified for its fifth World Cup after a goalless draw with Peru. In contrast, Chile failed to qualify following a 0-2 loss to Bolivia. Following this defeat, the team's head coach, Ricardo Gareca, resigned from his position. The Chilean team finished last among 10 countries this cycle. After winning the Copa America Cup consecutively in 2015 and 2016, the Chilean team has now been eliminated from the World Cup for the third consecutive time, having also failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022.

So far these teams have qualified

• Asia (FC): Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
• Oceania (OFC): New Zealand.
• South America (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador.
• Host countries: USA, Mexico and Canada.