International qualifiers may not attract the same media attention as a high-profile league match, but they offer an important chance for some of the world’s emerging football nations to showcase their skills and demonstrate their determination. These tournaments also highlight the impact that careful preparation and belief can have. And they serve as a reminder that, even for the best teams in the world, success is not always guaranteed.
Qualifying tournaments are organized by the continents that comprise FIFA: UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL, CAF, and OFC (Oceania). Each tournament consists of several rounds, each made up of groups or knock-out ties. The tournaments are designed to give every team a chance to win and to make the World Cup a truly global competition.
The 2026 qualification process began in March, with most European teams not involved in UEFA Nations League action starting their campaigns. The 54 qualifying nations are divided into 12 groups of four or five, playing traditional home and away matches in a round-robin format. Group winners qualify for the World Cup; runners-up enter inter-confederation play-offs, if eligible.
There is no shortage of superstars who will be involved in the qualification process, with household names such as Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min from Egypt, Sadio Mane and Maghnes Akliouche from France, and Oumar Niasse and Emmanuel Adebayor from Morocco all making their mark. But there are many more players who may not be as familiar to the public but who play a crucial role in their nation’s quest for World Cup glory.