The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally come to an end, closing a qualifying campaign that lasted more than two and a half years. The expanded 48-team tournament is now set, with Iraq securing the final place after a dramatic 2"1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff in Monterrey, Mexico.
That result capped a decisive day of qualification drama. Earlier, Bosnia and Herzegovina stunned four-time champions Italy in a penalty shootout, condemning the Italians to a third consecutive World Cup absence.
Meanwhile, DR Congo booked their place with an extra-time victory over Jamaica in Guadalajara.
In Europe’s final playoff matches, Sweden edged Poland 3"2, Türkiye defeated Kosovo 1"0 and Czech Republic overcame Denmark on penalties.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s upset win ensured their place among the final European qualifiers.
The tournament, set to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico and Canada, will feature 12 groups of four teams in its new expanded format.
Iraq’s qualification places them in a challenging Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal, while Bosnia and Herzegovina join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.
Elsewhere, Sweden are drawn with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group F, Türkiye will face the United States, Paraguay and Australia in Group D and the Czech Republic return to the World Cup stage in Group A with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.
The full group stage reflects the global reach of the expanded competition, with traditional powers and emerging nations spread across 12 groups.
From Brazil’s clash with Scotland and Morocco in Group C to Argentina meeting debutants Jordan in Group J, the tournament promises a blend of familiar rivalries and fresh storylines.
The qualification journey began back in September 2023 in South America and has now concluded with a complete 48-team field"setting the stage for the largest and most diverse World Cup in history.
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