The Brief

LOS ANGELES - A record 48 teams will play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The tournament will feature a new format and an increased number of participating nations, with several teams already securing their spots through qualifying.

What we know:

The host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — automatically qualify for the tournament.

The remaining 45 spots will be filled through a combination of continental qualifying tournaments and intercontinental playoffs.

Forty-three teams will earn their places through their respective continental qualifying tournaments.

The final two spots will be decided in March 2026 through the intercontinental playoffs, which will involve six teams.

By the numbers:

The brea

See Full Page