With the full 48-team World Cup line-up not to be finalized until more than a year from now, The Independent takes a look at the qualification process across the main footballing continents.
Despite their varying formats, the qualifying systems across continents reflect the unique and passionate football culture that exists worldwide. For players, fans, and nations alike, the journey to the World Cup is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.
Qualifying finally got underway on March 21 with the opening rounds of European qualifying matches. Most of the 54 UEFA-affiliated nations will play home-and-away round-robin groups in September, October and November 2025. The winners and two runners-up of each group will qualify for the tournament. The remaining teams will face each other in inter-confederation playoffs to determine the last two berths.
The qualifying systems of the main continental confederations have evolved over time to reflect the increasing size of the final tournament. Historically, each federation would divide into groups with the top team of each group qualifying directly for the World Cup. Runners-up from each group advanced to a play-off pairing, with the winners progressing to the finals.
Oceania’s distinct position in global football has meant its qualification processes are comparatively different from those of the other confederations. With no automatic berths, OFC teams must overcome significant challenges including travel logistics and infrastructural disparities to make the finals. Their determination reflects the passion and strength of the game in a region with limited resources.