Panini Spotlight: the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Field is Set

Written by: Julio Vega

Footy fans across the planet have been waiting for FIFA World Cup 2026™ for nearly four years. Finally, it’s just around the corner.

More than 200 countries began the qualifying cycle with hopes of competing on the sport’s biggest stage. After hundreds of qualifying matches and countless dramatic results across the six confederations, the 48 teams for the global showcase have been finalized. The final six spots were determined on March 31, setting the stage for the largest soccer spectacle in tournament history.

Here’s a breakdown of how those final spots were confirmed.

Europe Path A

Bosnia-Herzegovina secured its place in the tournament after taking down Cymru in the semifinal and Italy — missing a third consecutive FIFA World Cup™ — in the final, both via a shootout. 

Against the Welsh, all-time leading Bosnia-Herzegovina goal-scorer Edin Džeko finished once before the country edged out a win in penalties. Haris Tabaković then bagged one against the Italians and buried his effort as his side emerged with the triumph from the spot.

Competing in its first FIFA World Cup™ since the 2014 edition, Bosnia-Herzegovina will head into Group B and play its first game against co-host Canada before taking on Switzerland and then Qatar.

Europe Path B

Sweden took the spoils in its qualifying route by defeating Ukraine in the playoff semifinal before taking down Poland with a dramatic 3-2 victory in the final. Viktor Gyökeres was the hero, netting the winner following a scramble in the box during the 88th minute. 

Boasting a star-filled squad that includes Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga, the Swedes returned to the tournament for the first time since 2018, when they surged to the quarterfinals. They will play in Group F, kicking off the competition against Tunisia before facing the Netherlands and Japan.

Europe Path C

Turkey took care of business in its qualifying path. In the semifinal against Romania, Ferdi Kadıoğlu scored the game’s lone goal. Kerem Aktürkoğlu then wrote his name into national team lore by netting the only strike in the playoff final against Kosovo. 

The Turks ended their FIFA World Cup™ drought, booking their place in the tournament for the first time since 2002, when they surprised the globe and placed third over co-host Korea Republic. 

Entering Group D with key names such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yildiz and Arda Güler, they will play their first match against Australia before taking on Paraguay and closing the phase against the United States.

Europe Path D

Czechia took the scenic route to reach FIFA World Cup 2026™. In the playoff semifinals against the Republic of Ireland, Czechia emerged victorious through a penalty shootout after coming from behind in regulation. That was followed by another heart-pounding affair in the final, this time vs. Denmark.

Matěj Kovář was the difference-maker in both contests, saving two penalties in the shootout against the Irish and another in the final vs. the Danes. He joins stars Patrik Schick, Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal on a roster that helped its nation qualify for its first FIFA World Cup™ since 2006.

The Czechs enter Group A, opening the tournament against Korea Republic before taking on South Africa and co-host Mexico.

FIFA Play-Off Path 1

Congo DR clinched a place at the FIFA World Cup™ following a 1-0 win over Jamaica. Axel Tuanzebe buried the decisive strike in the first period of extra time, making the Leopards the 10th African side to book its ticket for the tournament.

The country, which features figures like Yoane Wissa and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, reaches the global showcase for the first time since 1974 — then known as Zaïre — and will slot into Group K. It opens play against Portugal, followed by matches against Colombia and Uzbekistan. 

FIFA Play-Off Path 2

The final spot up for grabs was between Iraq and Bolivia, with the former prevailing thanks to a 2-1 result. After a goal apiece in the first half, captain Aymen Hussein scored the winner in the 53rd minute as the Arabian side held on against the relentless South Americans.

Iraq will play in its second-ever FIFA World Cup™ and first since 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia enter Group I and will face Norway followed by matchups against France and Senegal.

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