The football calendar`s second international break is now underway, with numerous national teams worldwide actively pursuing qualification for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. This monumental tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19 next summer. While the official draw is scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., a significant portion of the participating teams will still be undetermined. Specifically, the four UEFA playoff winners and the two inter-confederation playoff victors will only be finalized following their decisive matches in March 2026. As this marks the second and final international window of the current calendar year, let`s delve into the most compelling narratives.
Who Has Qualified Already?
Currently, eighteen nations have secured their berths for the 2026 World Cup. This particular international window is set to be critical, especially for European teams, who commenced their qualification campaigns later due to the Euros and are now entering a decisive phase. Here is the list of the 18 teams that have already claimed one of the 48 coveted spots:
- United States (2026 World Cup hosts)
- Mexico (2026 World Cup hosts)
- Canada (2026 World Cup hosts)
- Japan (AFC qualifying third round)
- New Zealand (Oceania champions)
- Argentina (CONMEBOL qualifying)
- Iran (AFC qualifying third round)
- Uzbekistan (AFC qualifying third round)
- South Korea (AFC qualifying third round)
- Jordan (AFC qualifying third round)
- Australia (AFC qualifying third round)
- Brazil (CONMEBOL qualifying)
- Ecuador (CONMEBOL qualifying)
- Paraguay (CONMEBOL qualifying)
- Uruguay (CONMEBOL qualifying)
- Colombia (CONMEBOL qualifying)
- Morocco (CAF qualifying)
- Tunisia (CAF qualifying)
USMNT Can Build Momentum
The U.S. Men`s National Team (USMNT), led by coach Gregg Berhalter, is scheduled to play two friendly matches this week. As co-hosts, along with Canada and Mexico, the USMNT has already secured its place in next summer`s World Cup. This presents a vital opportunity for the team to build positive momentum heading into the tournament, particularly after recent setbacks, including a loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final this summer and a friendly defeat against South Korea in September. Despite these challenges, the U.S. national team recently secured a victory against Japan and is now set to face Ecuador and Australia. These upcoming fixtures offer a chance to generate further excitement and support for the squad as they prepare for what promises to be the most significant football tournament in the nation`s history.
Will Israel Be Banned?
A notable development last month saw a group of United Nations experts urging FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international football competitions. They argued this measure was a `necessary response to address the ongoing genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territory` amidst the Israel-Hamas War. Despite this call, immediate changes are not anticipated, and Israel is scheduled to play Norway on Saturday, October 11, followed by an away match against Italy on October 14. The game against the Italian national team, currently coached by Luciano Spalletti, could be impacted by recent protests in Italy. Activists have already appealed to the Italian team to refuse to play, and additional demonstrations are expected before and potentially during the match at Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.
Five Games to Watch
Here are five of the most compelling matches to keep an eye on during this international break:
Friday, October 10
- Friendly: United States vs. Ecuador, 10:30 p.m.
- WCQ: Honduras vs. Costa Rica, 10 p.m. (Paramount+)
Saturday, October 11
- WCQ: Spain vs. Georgia, 2:45 p.m.
Tuesday, October 14
- WCQ: Italy vs. Israel, 2:45 p.m.
- Friendly: United States vs. Australia, 9 p.m.
