Which teams have qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup and how Socceroos make it

Everything you need to know about the men’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where each conference around the world currently stands and how the Socceroos can secure automatic qualification.

There’s still more than a year to go to the start of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, but spots at the showpiece tournament are already starting to fill up.

The March international window saw all four of Japan, Iran, New Zealand and Argentina secure their places at the World Cup, alongside tournament hosts Canada, Mexica and the United States.

But there are still 41 spots up for grabs, with the Socceroos hellbent on locking down one of Asia’s eight automatic slots in the tournament.

Nishan Velupillay celebrates scoring his team's second goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against China in March. Picture: Deng Zijian/VCG via Getty Images

The Socceroos will earn automatic entry into the World Cup if they can hold onto second spot in their group in the third round of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) qualifying tournament.

The Tony Popovic coached side sit three points ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia with two games to go.

They will take on runaway group leaders Japan (June 5) and Saudi Arabia (June 10) in June, with victory in either match likely to be enough given their vastly superior goal difference.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about the road to the FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup.

Originally published as Which teams have qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup and how Socceroos make it