World Cup 2026: 32 nations qualify, Nigeria misses out

• Norway makes debut

By Grace Edet

Nigeria’s dream of appearing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended in heartbreak as the Super Eagles failed to qualify, leaving 32 nations confirmed for football’s most prestigious tournament.
Among the qualified teams is Norway, which will make its debut in the expanded 48-team World Cup, adding a fresh face to the global stage.
The line-up spans continents, showcasing powerhouses and emerging teams gearing up for a global showdown.
The confirmed teams include Canada, Mexico, the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Argentina, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Qatar, England, Saudi Arabia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, France, Croatia, and Portugal.
The expanded 48-team format for the 2026 tournament will see these nations compete across North America, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada co-hosting matches; marking the first-ever World Cup across three nations.
CAF officials described the qualifiers as “highly competitive,” noting that while Nigeria’s absence is a setback, African football still boasts significant representation.
Nigeria’s elimination has sparked intense debate among football pundits and fans alike, with discussions centering on team strategy, management, and player performance in the final qualifying rounds. Analysts suggest that lessons from this campaign will be crucial for the Super Eagles as they prepare for upcoming continental and international competitions.
The stage is now set for the global tournament in 2026, where the 32 qualified nations will battle for football glory, aiming to etch their names in World Cup history.