New Zealand qualifies for 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will feature a record 48 teams. New Zealand qualified for the tournament on Monday. This came just five days after Japan became the first nation, aside from the hosts, to secure a spot. The tournament will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, starting on June 11 and concluding with the final on July 19. A total of 43 teams will qualify through their regional processes. Additionally, two teams will earn spots through international playoffs scheduled for March 2026. The breakdown of qualification spots is as follows: - Asia will have eight direct spots and one playoff spot. - Africa has nine direct spots plus one for the playoffs. - North and Central America, along with the Caribbean, will send three direct teams and have two playoff spots. - South America will have six direct spots and one playoff team. - For the first time, Oceania has a guaranteed World Cup place, with New Zealand earning it through a 3-0 victory over New Caledonia. Europe will send 16 teams to the World Cup. The three host nations—United States, Mexico, and Canada—automatically qualify, securing three of the spots available for North and Central America.