The October World Cup Qualifiers were not lacking in drama and excitement, as 10 qualified teams officially punched their tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
From Asia to Africa and Europe, the week-long qualification phase showcased the evolving balance of power in global football.
With WC2026 expanding to 48 teams, the road to North America has become unpredictable, hard-fought, and inclusive.
Also, these qualifiers made history for smaller nations, such as Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, which will make their World Cup debut and rise as new contenders.
October World Cup Qualifiers: The 10 teams that emerged to play for WC2026
The World Cup Qualifiers in October confirmed 10 national squads that will be part of the 48-team field in North America next year.
In the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) Qualifiers, Qatar and Saudi Arabia emerged from their respective groups to complete the eight slots for the region.
Seven nations joined the list from the Confederation of African Football (CAF): Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.
From the European (UEFA) Qualifiers, England became the first team from the continent to book a spot by topping Group K.
Take a look back at our predictions and results as we continue our World Cup 2026 qualifiers coverage.
World Cup Qualifiers October: 10 new teams join 48-team field
| Team | Region | Method of Qualification | Date of Qualification | Last times qualified | Total times qualified (including 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group A winners | October 8 , 2025 | 2018 | 4 |
| Algeria | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group G winners | October 9, 2025 | 2014 | 5 |
| Ghana | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group I winners | October 12, 2025 | 2022 | 5 |
| Cape Verde | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group D winners | October 13, 2025 | ____ | 1 |
| South Africa | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group C winners | October 14, 2025 | 2010 | 4 |
| Qatar | Asia (AFC) | AFC fourth round Group A winners | October 14, 2025 | 2022 | 2 |
| England | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group K winners | October 14, 2025 | 2022 | 17 |
| Saudi Arabia | Asia (AFC) | AFC fourth round Group B winners | October 14, 2025 | 2022 | 7 |
| Ivory Coast | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group F winners | October 14, 2025 | 2014 | 4 |
| Senegal | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group B winners | October 14, 2025 | 2022 | 4 |
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: England advances; Spain, Italy blank foes in roundup
England secured a World Cup return by topping Group K after beating Latvia 5-0 on October 14, 2025.
Harry Kane scored twice, with Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze adding goals for England.
Spain and Italy won by shutouts; Portugal drew 2-2 with Hungary.
Spain, led by Mikel Merino’s brace, beat Bulgaria 4-0.
Italy beat Israel 3-0, with Retegui scoring twice and Mancini adding another.
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CAF World Cup Qualifiers: Cape Verde makes history; Ivory Coast back at World Cup since 2014
The CAF World Cup Qualifiers delivered several major moments, beginning with Cape Verde’s historic World Cup breakthrough.
Cape Verde’s 3-0 win over Eswatini clinched Group D.
More importantly, that win pushed Cape Verde to reach the World Cup for the first time in history.
Ivory Coast defeated Kenya 3-0 to top Group F and return to the World Cup.
Senegal won 4-0 over Mauritania to lead Group B; South Africa beat Rwanda 3-0 for its World Cup return.
They completed Africa’s nine direct slots to the World Cup.
Stay updated on World Cup tickets and hospitality packages here.
AFC World Cup Qualifiers: What Qatar and Saudi Arabia bring to the table
The World Cup AFC Qualifiers showed Qatar and Saudi Arabia completing the eight slots allotted for Asia in next year’s football showcase.
Qatar topped Group A with a 2-1 win over the UAE.
Saudi Arabia drew with Iraq to lead Group B.
They will join Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, and first-timers Jordan and Uzbekistan as Asia’s direct representatives to the World Cup.
Next year in North America, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are expected to showcase their confidence and tactical expertise as they seek a deep run at football’s global showcase.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Which teams may still join them?
After 10 teams emerged to claim World Cup tickets in the October qualifiers, the focus shifted to the next teams that could join them, starting in the November 2025 qualifiers.
In Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were denied permission to join England in North America after the draw against Hungary.
Looking ahead, more heated battles are anticipated in November 2025, with additional UEFA slots still to be decided.
Perennial contenders such as Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany will get another shot at next year’s global football showcase.
With 28 of 48 spots already filled, intense competition in the UEFA qualifiers will continue as the qualification race resumes in November 2025.
October World Cup Qualifiers: In retrospect
The October World Cup qualifiers offered fans a glimpse of what the 2026 FIFA World Cup will represent: global inclusivity, tactical diversity, and excitement.
From England and Saudi Arabia’s precision to the flair of Senegal and Ghana, and Cape Verde making history, the competition provided a celebration of football’s evolution.
These October qualifiers also introduced Qatar’s redemption story, Egypt’s resurgence, and the Ivory Coast’s underdog spirit, adding new flavor.
As fans celebrate the entry of these 10 teams to the World Cup, focus now shifts to the November 2025 qualifiers, where Europe will take the spotlight.
Having set the tone, the World Cup qualifiers in October now usher in the countdown to the pivotal November matches.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and other updates.
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