What's happened
Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
What's behind the headline?
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams will significantly alter the tournament's structure, increasing the number of matches and geographic diversity. Iraq's qualification marks a historic milestone as the first Arab team to reach the expanded event, highlighting the growing competitiveness of Asian and Middle Eastern football. The inclusion of Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, underscores the tournament's broader inclusivity. The scheduling of playoffs in March 2026, just months before the event, heightens the stakes for teams still vying for qualification. The draw in Washington, D.C., emphasizes the US's central role in hosting, with political figures like President Trump involved in the process, reflecting the event's global significance. Overall, the qualification phase reveals a more diverse and competitive field, promising an exciting tournament that will reshape global football dynamics.
What the papers say
The articles from Arab News, AP News, Al Jazeera, and SBS provide a comprehensive overview of the qualification process, highlighting key milestones such as Iraq's qualification, the historic qualification of Curacao, and the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup. Arab News emphasizes the playoff details and scheduling, while AP News confirms Iraq's qualification and the upcoming draw. Al Jazeera offers insights into the regional qualification stories, including Europe's qualifiers and the significance of small nations like Curacao. SBS notes the global qualification timeline and the historic nature of Curacao's qualification, providing context on the tournament's expansion and the diverse array of teams competing.
How we got here
The qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup began in October 2023, with teams competing across continents. The tournament has expanded from 32 to 48 teams, increasing its duration and number of matches. Key qualifiers include Iraq, Curacao, and European teams, with playoffs determining the final spots. The draw will take place in December 2025, with the tournament scheduled for June to July 2026 in North America.
Go deeper
Common question
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Who Qualified for the 2026 World Cup and What’s New?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be one of the most exciting tournaments yet, with expanded teams and new host countries. Fans are eager to know which teams made it, how the tournament will work, and where it will be held. Here’s everything you need to know about the qualification process, the tournament format, and key dates to mark on your calendar.
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