Forty-three teams will get their spots through their continent’s qualifying process. Another two will secure their berths in the international playoffs featuring six teams and scheduled for March 2026. The three host countries automatically qualify.
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What is the breakdown of berths?
Asia will have eight direct berths and one in the intercontinental playoff.
Africa has nine direct spots plus one for the intercontinental playoff.
North and Central America plus the Caribbean get three direct berths (plus the three host nations) and another two spots in the intercontinental playoffs.
South America has six direct spots and will send another team to the intercontinental playoffs.
Oceania for the first time has a guaranteed spot — New Zealand clinched that in March. It could add another with New Caledonia going into the intercontinental playoffs.
Europe will have 16 teams sure to play in the next World Cup.