Uzbekistan achieved a historic first, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
Uzbekistan and Jordan secured their inaugural World Cup berths, joining South Korea in qualifying for the tournament.
These three nations become the eighth, ninth, and tenth teams to confirm their spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
The three host nations automatically qualified. This latest trio joins Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina in securing their place.
Uzbekistan drew 0-0 with the United Arab Emirates, while South Korea’s 2-0 victory over Iraq secured their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance. Jordan’s 3-0 win against Oman sealed their historic qualification.
Ranked 57th globally, with a population of 36 million, Uzbekistan played its first match as a sovereign nation in June 1992, following independence from the Soviet Union. FIFA recognized them two years later.
Uzbekistan’s closest previous qualification bid came during the controversial 2006 campaign. A two-legged playoff against Bahrain, to determine the Asian Football Confederation’s representative against Concacaf’s Trinidad and Tobago, ended in disappointment after a refereeing error led to a replay and subsequent elimination.
However, Uzbekistan has consistently qualified for every Asian Cup since 1996, reaching the knockout stages in each appearance since 2004, including a semi-final run in 2011 and a quarter-final appearance last year.
Asian Cup runners-up Jordan, ranked 62nd globally, are participating in their seventh World Cup qualifiers, beginning their journey in 1986. Their previous closest attempt ended with an intercontinental play-off loss to Uruguay in 2014.
So, how does World Cup qualification work?
BBC and ITV agree World Cup deal for 2026 and 2030
What to expect from the next FIFA World Cup in 2026
Qualifying places: Six, plus one intercontinental play-off spot
Teams already qualified: Argentina
South American qualifying involves a single group of ten teams, commencing in September 2023. The top six teams qualify directly, with the seventh-place team entering the intercontinental play-offs.
With four of 18 games remaining, Argentina (already qualified), Ecuador, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Colombia currently hold the top six spots, with Venezuela in seventh.
Qualifying places: Eight, plus one intercontinental play-off spot
Teams already qualified: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan
Asian qualifying began in October 2023. The current third round sees the top two teams from each of three groups automatically qualify.
Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Jordan have secured their places. Australia currently holds the final automatic qualification spot.
Third and fourth-place teams from each six-team group progress to a fourth round, with a fifth round also available.
Qualifying places: Nine, plus one intercontinental play-off spot
Teams already qualified: None
African qualifying comprises nine groups of six teams, commencing in November 2023. Each group winner automatically qualifies. With four games left, current leaders are Egypt, DR Congo, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana.
The four best runners-up advance to play-offs for a chance at the intercontinental play-offs.
Qualifying places: Six (including three hosts), plus two intercontinental play-off spots
Teams already qualified: USA, Canada, and Mexico (automatic qualification as co-hosts)
Concacaf qualifying differs, with the three host nations already qualified. The process continues through various group stages, culminating in intercontinental play-offs.
Qualifying is ongoing, with further stages yet to be played.
Six five-team groups are followed by three four-team groups, with group winners and the top two runners-up qualifying for the World Cup or intercontinental play-offs.
Qualifying places: 16
Teams already qualified: None
Twelve groups determine qualification, with winners advancing and runners-up competing in play-offs against top UEFA Nations League teams.
Europe is the only confederation without teams in the intercontinental play-offs.
Qualifying began in March, with the group stage concluding in November and play-offs in March 2026.
Qualifying places: One, plus one intercontinental play-off spot
Teams already qualified: New Zealand
Oceania qualifying concluded with New Zealand’s victory over New Caledonia. New Zealand automatically qualifies for the World Cup due to the expanded format; Oceania typically receives only a play-off spot.
New Caledonia will participate in the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, along with teams from Africa, Asia, South America, and North America, with two of six teams advancing.
Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast
Get football news sent straight to your phone