New Delhi, Oct. 9 -- The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded field of 48 teams, a significant increase from the 32-team format last seen in Qatar 2022. As the qualification process is reaching its crucial final stages, 18 nations have already secured their places for the tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The 2026 World Cup allocates 48 spots across confederations:

UEFA (Europe): 16 spots, with 12 group winners qualifying directly and four more via playoffs.

CAF (Africa): 9 spots, with group winners qualifying and four runners-up entering playoffs.

AFC (Asia): 8 spots, six already claimed, with two more to be decided.

CONMEBOL (South America): 6 spots, all confirmed....