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Tom Jenkins
Football data experts have predicted the 48 teams that will secure a place at the 2026 World Cup and some major names have been tipped to miss out.
The 2026 World Cup in North America is set to become the first to host 48 nations and will be the first tournament to be hosted by more than one nation since 2002.
12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new round of 32 stage as opposed to the usual route to the final.
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With qualification for next season's tournament well underway, Football Meets Data have predicted the 48 nations who will make it to the States and there are some notable absentees.
The projection is based on Apr 2025 FIFA points, with the seeding pots also based on current standings.
Out of the top 50 ranked nations: Sweden, Ukraine, Wales, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Peru, Slovakia, Czechia, Nigeria, Scotland, Qatar, and Chile are not predicted to qualify.
This would mean despite 48 nations, the World Cup would be without the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Robert Lewandowski, and Victor Osimhen.
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Full list of qualified nations
-USA
-Mexico
-Canada
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-Argentina
-France
-Spain
-England
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-Brazil
-Netherlands
-Portugal
-Belgium
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-Italy
-Germany
-Croatia
-Могоссо
-Uruguay
-Colombia
-Japan
-IR Iran
-Senegal
-Switzerland
-Denmark
-Austria
-Korea Republic
-Egypt
-Panama
-Algeria
-Côte d'Ivoire
-Paraguay
-Tunisia
-Cameroon
-Costa Rica
-South Africa
-Uzbekistan
-Saudi Arabia
-Jordan
-UAE
-Ghana
-Honduras
-New Zealand
-Türkiye
-Serbia
-Norway
-Greece
-Venezuela
-Congo DR
The newly revised format received heavy criticism as it was believed the expansion would dilute the quality of the games and the decision was a political one rather than a sporting one.
Speaking back in 2017, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended his decision and claimed the more nations that play will create more opportunities for smaller countries.
"Costa Rica eliminated England and Italy in the last World Cup, a good solid team and there are many other teams who could make it to the World Cup," he said via the BBC.
"I believe that the actual quality could rise, because many more countries will have the chance to qualify so they will invest in their elite football as well as grassroots."
Infantino added: "The game has changed. Football has now become a truly global game. Everyone is happy about investment in Europe, but what about helping outside Europe? They need to be open.
"The key message from clubs I appreciate fully has always been don't touch the calendar, the dates of the World Cup, or the burden for the players, and both these commissions fulfill them.
"We will play 32 days like now, we play maximum of seven matches like now, 12 stadiums, like now, but give the chance for more countries to dream."