Football data experts have made predictions regarding the 48 teams that will be selected to compete in the World Cup in 2026, and they have predicted that a number of major names will not be selected.
It is anticipated that the World Cup, which will be held in North America in 2026, will be the first tournament to be hosted by more than one nation since 2002. Additionally, it will be the first tournament to host 48 nations.
As opposed to the typical path to the championship match, there will be twelve groups of four teams, and the top two teams from each group, as well as the eight teams that finished in third place, will advance to the next round of 32.
In light of the fact that the qualification process for the tournament that will take place the following year is well under way, Football Meets Data has made their predictions regarding the 48 countries that will be able to compete in the United States.
The projection is based on the FIFA points that were earned in April 2025, and the seeding pots are also determined by the current standings.
It is anticipated that none of the top fifty ranked countries, including Sweden, Ukraine, Wales, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Peru, Slovakia, Czechia, Nigeria, Scotland, Qatar, and Chile, will be able to qualify for the tournament.
If this were to occur, the World Cup would be missing notable players such as Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Robert Lewandowski, and Victor Osimhen, despite the fact that there are 48 nations participating.
Complete list of countries that meet the requirements
U.S.A.
– Mexico
— Canada •
-In Argentina
The French
Spain (Spanish)
-The United Kingdom
-The Brazilian
Netherlands (The)
– Portugal
**Belgium**
— Italy”
The Germans
—Croatia
– Μoгоссо =
(Uruguay)
“Colombia”
Japanese
Tehran, Iran (IR)
— Senegal •
Switzerland (Swiss)
-The Danish
(Austria)
The Republic of Korea
— Egypt]
-Panamasia
“Algeria”
-Côte d’Ivoire (Cl.
– Paraguay’s
—Tunisia
Cameroon (C).
The Republic of Costa Rica
“South Africa” —
“Uzbekistan” —
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Mr. Jordan
U.A.E.
Ghana (Ghana)
The Honduras
New Zealand (NZA)
The Turkiye
Serbia (Serbia)
-The Norwegians
The Greeks
Venezuela (V).
CONGO DR.
Due to the fact that it was believed that the expansion would lower the overall quality of the games and that the decision was made for political reasons rather than for sporting reasons, the newly revised format was met with a great deal of criticism.
According to statements made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in 2017, he defended his decision and asserted that the greater the number of nations that participate, the more opportunities will be created for countries that are smaller.
“Costa Rica eliminated England and Italy in the last World Cup, a good solid team and there are many other teams who could make it to the World Cup,” according to him in an interview with the BBC.
“I believe that the actual quality could rise, because many more countries will have the chance to qualify so they will invest in their elite football as well as grassroots.”
Additionally, Infantino stated, “The game has adjusted.” Today, football is a game that is played all over the world. Everyone is pleased with the results of investments in Europe, but what about assistance in other parts of the world? Openness is required of them.
Since the beginning, the most important message that clubs have conveyed to me is that they should not touch the calendar, the dates of the World Cup, or the burden that is placed on the players. Both of these commissions fulfil these messages.
“We will play 32 days like now, we play maximum of seven matches like now, 12 stadiums, like now, but give the chance for more countries to dream.”
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