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FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list of countries that have qualified
Seven spots out of the required 48 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already been filled after the March international break ended
Argentina is the biggest name on the list after the reigning world champions booked a spot to defend their title next year
In the other list, Nigeria leads a list of big teams who are at risk of failing to qualify after a string of disappointing results
The first international break of the year came with teams battling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held next year.
The tournament will be the first time we will have 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries meaning the United States of America, Mexico and Canada have already qualified.
How many countries will each continent produce at World Cup 2026?
The 48 teams will be distributed based on coefficients, with UEFA (Europe) having the most with 16 slots. Here is a breakdown of how many countries have been allocated to each body.
UEFA (Europe): 16 slots
CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots
CAF (Africa): 9 slots
AFC (Asia): 8 slots
CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean): 6 slots
OFC (Oceania): 1 slot
Inter-Confederation Playoff: 2 slots
Who has already qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Four more countries have joined the hosts in confirming their place in North America next year.
Japan
Japan from AFC was the first to seal its spot after they beat Bahrain 2-0 to attain an unassailable lead at the top of Group C of the qualifiers. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo did the work, rendering their remaining three games a mere formality.
“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support. We knew that if we persevered that the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team,” said head coach Hajime Moriyasu to Associated Press. This will be their eighth straight World Cup.
New Zealand
New Zealand booked the only spot reserved for the OFC region after they thumped New Caledonia 3-0.
It is the first time the Oceania region has had an automatic qualification spot and New Zealand left nothing to chance to reach only their third-ever World Cup.
Iran
Iran followed in Japan’s footsteps by nicking one of the AFC spots. Mehdi Taremi scored twice to salvage a point against Uzbekistan. The Uzbeki would have gone through with a win, while Iran only needed a point to confirm their place.
Team Melli will be at the biggest stage for the fourth consecutive time while Uzbekistan can close in on a hisorc achievement with a win in any of their remaining two games.
Argentina
The defending champions will be in North America to defend their title. The Albiceleste confirmed their place without even kicking a ball after Bolivia held Uruguay to a goalless draw.
As if that wasn’t enough, Lionel Scaloni’s side went ahead and pumped four goals past a hapless Brazil to send out a strong statement of intent.
It would be interesting to see whether talisman Lionel Messi will be in the squad come next year. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been bogged down by injuries in recent times.
Which big country can fail to qualify for FIFA World Cup?
The qualification process for Europe is still in its infant stages, or yet to begin completely in some groups, so there is nothing much to say there.
However, in Africa, where only four matches remain, some heavyweights are staring at failure to make it.
Nigeria tops this list after Zimbabwe stunned them in extra-time at home. The disappointing draw, coupled with South Africa’s win over Benin, leaves the Super Eagles’ dreams in tatters. Of course, there is still that matter of Teboho Mokoena that could change the group’s dynamics.
Senegal were handed a lifeline after Sudan failed to beat South Sudan. The Teranga Lions are now locked in a three-way battle with Sudan and DR Congo for the top honours in Group B.
How Harambee Stars can still qualify for FIFA World Cup
TUKO.co.ke has also worked out some permutations of how Harambee Stars can still qualify for the World Cup.
It is almost an improbable task at this moment after the draw against the Gambia and loss to Gabon but it is still mathematically possible.
Story by Martin Moses
News
Roy Keane Blasts ‘Frightened’ Manchester United After West Ham Draw
Manchester United thought they had the job wrapped up at Old Trafford… until they didn’t.
Diogo Dalot’s tidy finish just before the hour mark looked like the moment that would push the Red Devils to a much-needed victory. But in classic 2025 Manchester United fashion, control slipped, intensity dipped, and West Ham pounced.
And of course—when things go wrong—Roy Keane is never far from the verbal action.
“They Weren’t Nasty Enough!” – Keane Fires Shots
After the 1-1 draw, Keane wasted zero time calling out what he sees as the real issue at United: timidity.
According to him, United “took their foot off the gas” right after scoring. Against a team in the bottom three, he expected more authority, more aggression, and definitely more hunger.
Instead, what he saw was a team “almost frightened” of finishing the job.
He slammed the players for hiding when pressure kicked in, criticized their lack of killer instinct, and even called out the relaxed body language during substitutions.
In typical Keane fashion, the message was simple:
United should never be this soft.
Amorim Also Frustrated: “The Game Was Ours To Win”
Manager Ruben Amorim didn’t sugarcoat anything either.
While he didn’t go full-Keane, he admitted:
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United lost control after scoring
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They failed to win second balls
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They should have killed the match earlier
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The inconsistency is becoming a real problem
For a team chasing European places, three draws in five games simply isn’t good enough.
West Ham Deserved Their Point
To be fair, West Ham didn’t just sit back and wait. They fought, pressed, countered, and eventually got their reward when Soungoutou Magassa slotted home the 83rd-minute equaliser.
United had late chances, but the story of their season resurfaced again:
moments created, moments wasted.
Where Do United Go From Here?
Sitting eighth on the table, United’s inconsistency continues to be their biggest opponent. Keane believes the team lacks bite. Amorim believes the team lacks control.
Fans believe the team lacks… well, everything except drama.
What’s clear is this: until United find their identity and intensity, nights like this will keep happening.
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Local News
Beckham Joins Bellingham & Trent to Unveil Retro Gunmetal Adidas Predator Mania
Beckham Links Up With The New Generation
Adidas just pulled off the ultimate fusion of eras — pairing Real Madrid legend David Beckham with modern-day stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold to unveil the new throwback Predator Mania Gunmetal.
The visual alone is powerful:
Beckham, the man who helped define the Predator legacy, standing alongside the players shaping a new generation at the Santiago Bernabéu.
It’s nostalgia meeting modern football culture in the cleanest way possible.
How Beckham & Zidane Made The Predator A Cultural Icon
In the 2000s, football boots had personalities — and none louder than the Predator.
Thanks to players like:
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David Beckham
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Zinedine Zidane
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Steven Gerrard
…the Predator brand became more than footwear — it became a symbol of confidence, control, and creativity.
Beckham’s signature whip-your-free-kick technique and the unforgettable fold-over tongue made Predator Mania one of the most legendary boots ever created.
And now in 2025, it’s back — reborn with purpose.
A Historic Gunmetal Colourway Returns
The 2025 Predator Mania comes in a stunning Gunmetal grey, blending early-2000s nostalgia with fresh modern flair.
Adidas describes it as:
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“Metallic, polished and aggressive”
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Featuring crisp white Three Stripes
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And the iconic red fold-over tongue — embroidered and unapologetically bold
Beckham famously wore this colourway during his early Real Madrid days.
It quickly became a cult favourite, often called “one of the most photogenic boots of its era.”
Now it’s back — and it looks better than ever.
Engineered For Today’s Game
While the look is faithful, adidas didn’t simply remake the past — they improved it.
The 2025 Predator Mania is crafted in the historic Scheinfeld factory in Germany, the birthplace of many legendary Predator lines.
Key enhancements include:
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Upgraded comfort
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Subtle structural refinement
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Increased responsiveness
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Modern fit for today’s style of play
In short:
Old-school swagger meets high-performance engineering.
Back On The Bernabéu Grass
The revival feels even more fitting because two current Real Madrid stars — Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold — will bring the Gunmetal Mania back to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch.
From Beckham’s free-kick artistry to Bellingham’s midfield dominance and Trent’s laser passing…
the Predator legacy remains in elite company.
Adidas couldn’t have scripted a better generational handover.
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