With the FIFA World Cup 2026 drawing closer, the qualifying rounds are generating considerable excitement. The tournament will feature 48 teams, and many have already secured their place. The host nations – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – along with Argentina and Brazil, are guaranteed participants. The focus now shifts to which teams will make their historic debut in the prestigious competition:
**Potential First-Time FIFA World Cup 2026 Participants:**
* Jordan – Qualified
* Uzbekistan – Qualified
* Cabo Verde
* Curaçao
* Guatemala
* Nicaragua
* Suriname
* New Caledonia
**FIFA 2026 World Cup Match Schedule:**
* Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026
* Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026
* Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11, 2026
* Semifinals: July 14 – 15, 2026
* Bronze Final (3rd Place Match): July 18, 2026
**Qualification Slots Breakdown:**
* AFC: eight direct slots and one play-off slot.
* CAF: nine direct slots and one play-off slot.
* CONCACAF: three direct slots, three host slots and two play-off slots.
* CONMEBOL: six direct slots and one play-off slot.
* OFC: one direct slot and one play-off slot.
* UEFA: 16 direct slots and zero play-off slots.