Argentina’s national soccer team, the reigning world champion, has secured its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining five other teams that have already qualified for the next World Cup.
Argentina’s qualification was confirmed after the 0-0 draw between Bolivia and Uruguay on the fourteenth day of the South American qualifiers. But five other countries have already officially qualified for the next World Cup, which will be played from June 8 to July 3, 2026 in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
How did Argentina get its pass?
The draw between Bolivia and Uruguay guaranteed Argentina a place among the top six teams in the CONMEBOL rankings, thus securing its direct passage to the 2026 World Cup.
Under the direction of Lionel Scaloni, the Albiceleste has shown outstanding performance in the South American qualifiers.
To date, Argentina leads the table with 28 points, the result of nine wins, one draw and three defeats in 13 matches played.
This performance not only reflects the team’s consistency, but also its ability to maintain a high competitive level after their consecration at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Countries already qualified for the World Cup
Mexico: Among the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup is Mexico, automatically classified as one of the host countries. It will be its third time hosting a World Cup (1970, 1986 and now 2026).
United States: Automatically qualified as host. Will again host a World Cup after the 1994 tournament.
Canada: Qualified as co-host. It will be its second World Cup participation, after its debut in 1986 and its return in 2022.
Ranked by sporting merit
Japan (AFC – Asia): The Japanese team became the first country to qualify via the knockout rounds with a 2-0 win over Bahrain in March 2025.
Japan, an Asian powerhouse, will participate in its eighth consecutive World Cup.
Playoff record: 6 wins, 1 tie
Goals scored: 24
Goals against: 1
This will be a historic cup: for the first time, 48 teams will participate
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New Zealand (OFC – Oceania): The All Whites beat New Caledonia 3-0 in the final of the Oceania playoff to earn the only direct ticket offered by their confederation.
New Caledonia will play in the intercontinental playoff.
What’s next: more tickets at stake
Buzzy
Throughout 2025 and early 2026, the rest of the 43 available tickets will be defined.
In April, qualifiers will resume in South America, Africa, Asia and Europe, in addition to the intercontinental playoff.
FIFA expects the full list of qualifiers to be finalized in March 2026, just a few months before the tournament kicks off.
For Hispanics living in the U.S., this World Cup represents a unique opportunity to experience the World Cup at home, with games in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston and New York, among other cities.
Next challenges for Argentina
With qualification assured, Argentina still has pending commitments in the qualifiers. After the match against Brazil in Buenos Aires, the team will visit Chile in June and host Colombia.
The last double-header of the qualifying rounds is scheduled for September, with games against Venezuela at home and Ecuador away.
These matches will serve as key preparation for the 2026 World Cup and will provide an opportunity to integrate new talent into the squad.
Relevance to the Hispanic community in the United States
For U.S.-based Hispanic fans, Argentina’s ranking is especially significant.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in part on U.S. soil, providing a unique opportunity for the Argentine diaspora and Latin American soccer fans to experience the excitement of the tournament up close.
Lionel Messi’s presence at Inter Miami has also increased the Hispanic community’s interest and connection to local soccer, strengthening cultural and sporting ties.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
