How World Cup qualifying works: Rules, format and how to earn a spot at FIFA tournament

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How World Cup qualifying works: Rules, format and how to earn a spot at FIFA tournament

How does World Cup qualifying work?

How many teams qualify for the World Cup?

When does World Cup qualifying take place?

World Cup qualifying rules

World Cup qualifying format by region

What is the Intercontinental Playoff?

How do World Cup qualifying draws work?

Countries that never qualified for World Cup

World Cup qualifying history

World Cup qualifying memorable moments

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be the most expansive edition to date, qualifying for the competition has taken on a new look.

Across the nearly 100 years of this iconic competition, qualifying has evolved with the constant reformatting, restructuring and reorganizing the World Cup has undergon