New Zealand has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the latest team to qualify for the tournament, which will feature a record 48 teams. New Zealand reached the World Cup for only the third time with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia on Monday.
The qualification comes just five days after Japan became the first nation outside the three host countries—United States, Mexico, and Canada—to book its spot.
The expanded World Cup, set to kick off on June 11, 2026, will see 43 teams qualify through their respective continental tournaments. Two additional berths will be decided through international playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
Iran could become the next team to confirm its qualification, provided it defeats Uzbekistan in their upcoming match on Tuesday.
The final of the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for July 19.