After nearly three years of qualifiers, the final lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been completed, with the last spots decided through European play offs and intercontinental finals. The expanded 48 team tournament will begin on June 11, with co-host Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.
Italy eliminated again
For the third consecutive tournament, Italy has failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, suffering a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final. It marks an unprecedented decline for the four-time champions, who have now missed three straight editions.
Italy took the lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute but were reduced to ten men before half time after Alessandro Bastoni was sent off. Bosnia equalized late through Haris Tabakovic to force extra time before holding their nerve in the shootout.
The defeat extends Italy’s absence from the World Cup since 2014 and raises serious questions about the direction of the national team. The Azzurri are now the first former champions to miss three consecutive tournaments.
Bosnia and Herzegovina booked their second World Cup appearance and first since 2014 after the dramatic win. They will compete in Group B against Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Iraq return after 40 years
Iraq secured a historic return to the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff. Goals from Ali Al Hamadi and Aymen Hussein ensured qualification, marking their first appearance since 1986 and will play in Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.
DR Congo edge Jamaica
DR Congo claimed their place with a 1-0 extra time victory over Jamaica. Axel Tuanzebe scored the winner, sending the African side to their first finals appearance since 1974. The victory means there will be 10 teams from Africa lining up at the 2026 edition of football’s showpiece event.
They have only once previously reached the finals – in 1974 as Zaire.
The DRC will now join the World Cup Group K of Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, playing the former in their opening game.
Türkiye end 24 year wait
Türkiye qualified with a 1-0 win over Kosovo, ending a 24-year absence from the World Cup. Kerem Akturkoglu scored the decisive goal. Ranked 25th in the world, Türkiye had fallen short in qualifying campaigns over the past two decades. They will face USA, Paraguay and Australia in Group D.
Czechia & Sweden advance
Czechia overcame Denmark on penalties after a 2-2 draw to qualify for their first World Cup since 2006. They will face Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A.
Sweden secured a dramatic 3-2 play-off win over Poland to reach the 2026 World Cup, earning a first appearance at the tournament since 2018 and booking a place in Group F with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia, where Sweden will open against Tunisia on June 14.