Which teams will play at the 2030 World Cup? For the first time, 48 nations are expected in the finals. Here are the countries already qualified, the favourites, and how the sides are split between the six confederations.
The 2030 World Cup confirms the 48-team format launched in 2026, up from 32 before. The result: more nations, including several potential debutants, and a group stage expanded to 12 groups of 4. The extra spots mainly benefit Africa, Asia and the CONCACAF region.
Three sides are already guaranteed to be there: Spain, Portugal and Morocco, qualified automatically as hosts. Morocco, a surprise semi-finalist in 2022, will play at home with genuine ambitions.
Among the favourites, expect the usual heavyweights: recent winners and finalists, big European and South American nations. The final list will depend on qualification and the seeds at the draw.
The 48 tickets are split between the six confederations according to the 48-team format grid, with Europe (UEFA) getting the most spots, followed by Africa, Asia, South America, the CONCACAF region and Oceania, with intercontinental play-offs awarding the final places. This diversity promises fresh match-ups right from the group stage.
48 teams, split into 12 groups of 4 — the expanded format launched in 2026.
The three host nations: Spain, Portugal and Morocco, qualified automatically.
The recent winners and finalists, along with the big European and South American nations, start as favourites. The pecking order will firm up with qualification.
Very likely: the 48-spot format opens the door to several sides that had never reached the finals before.
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