Panini on the Road to FIFA World Cup 2026™ as Pool Takes Shape

Written by: Julio Vega

FIFA World Cup 2026™ is finally starting to take shape. The main phase of qualifying wrapped in November, and 42 countries have confirmed a spot in the 48-team tournament. The final six spots will be determined by European and intercontinental playoffs.

Some nations cruised through the cycle, while others had to wait until the waning moments of their final match to determine their fate. Panini kept a close eye on the action and will highlight some of football’s top names with the upcoming release of Donruss Road to FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Here, we’ll take a look at some of what happened, who is in, and what comes next.

Concacaf

With the United States, Canada and Mexico all serving as hosts for the 2026 global event, it was open season in Concacaf for the final three automatic spots. Panama, Haiti and Curaçao took the spoils and booked a berth in the tournament.

Los Canaleros, anchored by iconic captain Aníbal Godoy, returned to the mix after its last participation in 2018. Meanwhile, Les Grenadiers are back on the big stage for the first time since 1974 after all-time leading scorer Duckens Nazon provided several heroic performances.

Curaçao made headlines when it confirmed its place in the showpiece event for the first time ever, making it the smallest country by population (approx. 156,000) to qualify for a FIFA World Cup™. Gervane Kastaneer spearheaded the Caribbean nation with five strikes during the cycle.

CONMEBOL

The qualifying cycle in South America is notoriously grueling, with virtually every team having a shot at making the tournament. Defending champion Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, cruised through the schedule and topped the standings. 

Moises Caicedo’s Ecuador finished second, while James Rodriguez’s Colombia, Federico Valverde’s Uruguay, Vini Jr.’s Brazil and Miguel Almiron’s Paraguay made up the rest of the CONMEBOL contingent for the event.

CAF

Africa will have its biggest pool of countries ever in the expanded field, with nine nations taking part in the 2026 tournament. Morocco, led by Achraf Hakimi and fresh off a historic semifinal run in Qatar, was the continent’s first to qualify for the North American clash. Tunisia followed suit, having not conceded a single goal throughout the cycle. Mohamed Salah spearheaded Egypt to the tournament, scoring nine during the campaign.

Algeria took care of business thanks in part to Mohamed Amoura, who bagged a confederation-leading 10 goals. Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and South Africa also topped their groups and confirmed a place in the tournament.

Keep an eye on Cape Verde, which will be making its FIFA World Cup™ debut next year. The island country off the coast of West Africa is home to about 500,000 people, all of whom will be rooting for their country to make noise in the tournament.

AFC

Japan was the first from the Asian confederation and first outside the three co-hosts to confirm a spot in the tournament. Ayase Ueda scored eight as the Samurai Blue entered their eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup™. IR Iran, guided by Mehdi Taremi and his 10 goals, were next to book their ticket.

Heung-min Son powered Korea Republic to another global showcase with 10 goals during the cycle, while Almoez Ali netted 12 for Qatar in a successful bid. Australia and Saudi Arabia also made the cut. Two more debutants will feature in North America as Uzbekistan and Jordan prepare to show the world what they can do on a global stage.

OFC

New Zealand will be Oceania’s sole representative after Chris Wood bagged nine to power the All Whites to North America.

UEFA

Finally, Europe had plenty of fascinating storylines throughout qualifying. 

England, headlined by captain and top scorer Harry Kane, took care of business early. Kylian Mbappe’s France, Luka Modric’s Croatia and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal also cruised through the process and booked an automatic spot.

FIFA World Cup™ regulars Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland and Austria will also be present in the global event.

One of the biggest headlines to come from the region was Scotland’s qualification. The Tartan Army, led by midfield maestro Scott McTominay, needed a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark on the final day to confirm its first tournament appearance since 1998.