FIFA World Cup 2026 line-up complete: Iraq take 48th and final spot; Italy miss out
On 31 March 2026 Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey to become the 48th and final team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Sweden, Türkiye and DR Congo also qualified, while Italy missed out.
Summary
The line-up for the first 48-team FIFA World Cup, to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026, was completed on 31 March 2026. Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 at Monterrey, Mexico, to take the final place and return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Sweden and Türkiye qualified through the European play-off finals, with Italy missing out, and DR Congo also qualified via the play-off tournament. The tournament will have 104 matches in 16 host cities.
Key facts
- Tournament
- FIFA World Cup 2026 – first with 48 teams
- Hosts
- Canada, Mexico and the United States
- Last team to qualify
- Iraq (beat Bolivia 2-1, Monterrey) – first World Cup since 1986
- Qualified on 31 March
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Sweden, Türkiye, DR Congo, Iraq
- Missed out
- Italy
- Matches / host cities
- 104 matches, 16 host cities
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which team became the 48th and final team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, on 31 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Iraq
Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 at Monterrey to become the 48th and final team to qualify.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, the first with 48 teams, is hosted jointly by:
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Correct answer: A — USA, Canada and Mexico
The 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Which of the following European teams failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after losing in the play-off finals on 31 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Italy
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Sweden and Türkiye qualified through the play-off finals, while Italy missed out.