All 48 Teams Competing in North American Championships (Part 2)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup began yesterday when co‑host Mexico defeated South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 2‑0 inside the 87,524‑seat legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. It is the largest tournament ever staged, with 48 nations competing across North America in the expanded format.

Will the familiar powerhouses rise in the later rounds, or will a dark horse or newcomer shock the world?

Livescore here continues the look at the remaining 25 of the 48 teams that we started yesterday.

25. South Korea

The Taegeuk Warriors entered the tournament unbeaten in qualifying, but the form of key player Son Heung‑min since his move to MLS is a concern.

26. United States

The co‑hosts have Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout and a potentially decent path to the knockouts if ace Christian Pulisic is in form.

27. Australia

The Socceroos have performed well under Tony Popovic and are now in their sixth successive World Cup. Watford winger Nestory Irankunda is an exciting talent.

28. Algeria

Riyad Mahrez, now 35, still leads the Algerian side. They breezed through qualifying under coach Vladimir Petković but face a tougher challenge now.

29. Ghana

Like Morocco, a recent managerial change has shaken Ghana’s hopes, but appointing Carlos Queiroz brings a wealth of experience. England, Croatia and Panama are tough opposition.

30. Canada

Completing the trio of co‑hosts, Canada and boss Jesse Marsch will be confident they can win a World Cup match for the first time, especially if Alphonso Davies is fully fit.

31. Scotland

The Tartan Army return after 28 long years. Steve Clarke’s squad is full of experience and has a match‑winner in Scott McTominay alongside a stellar first XI with proven pedigree.

32. Sweden

Qualifying was anything but smooth, but Graham Potter took over and steered them through the play‑offs. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak are top‑tier forwards.

33. Czech Republic

They survived two penalty shootouts in their March play‑offs to reach the tournament, and Patrik Schick is a formidable frontman for a solid side.

34. Tunisia

The Eagles of Carthage have never progressed beyond the group stage in six World Cups, and the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden stand in their way now.

35. South Africa

Hugo Broos brings Bafana Bafana back to this stage for the first time since they hosted in 2010, and Group A presents an opportunity on paper.

36. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Their shock play‑off win in March means Italy will miss the tournament for at least 16 years, and young star Kerim Alajbegović will hope they can upset a few more teams in a very open Group B.

37. Iran

Amir Ghalenoei’s side qualified in good style and are ranked just outside FIFA’s top 20. They will face Egypt and New Zealand in Group G.

38. New Zealand

Striker Chris Wood leads the line for the All Whites, the only side not beaten at the 2010 World Cup when they last appeared. They have a favourable draw.

39. Saudi Arabia

The Green Falcons changed manager in April, so Georgios Donis has had little time to prepare, and scoring goals could be a problem after just seven in 10 games in their final qualifiers.

40. Panama

Experience is on Panama’s side, but they lost all three games in 2018, including a 6‑1 thumping from England – and the Three Lions are sizing them up again.

41. Uzbekistan

Captain Eldor Shomurodov scored 22 goals in the Turkish Super Lig last season, and targeting DR Congo in Group K could see Uzbekistan’s debut stretched to the last‑32.

42. Qatar

Things did not go as planned in 2022 when they were hosts, and while Julen Lopetegui is an experienced coach, their defensive record in qualifying doesn’t bode well.

43. DR Congo

DR Congo showed real resilience to reach the tournament and will be tough to break down. Their match against Uzbekistan could give either side a chance to progress.

44. Jordan

A maiden World Cup awaits this defensively‑minded side, and they will likely park the bus, especially with key striker Yazan A‑Naimat ruled out.

45. Iraq

Boss Graham Arnold has lots of experience, including a World Cup with Australia, but the ‘prize’ of beating Bolivia in a play‑off is a group containing France, Norway and Senegal.

46. Cape Verde

The Islanders are breaking new ground, but Spain, Uruguay and even Saudi Arabia await in Group H, and the Blue Sharks will have to swim for their lives to survive.

47. Haiti

A 4‑1 pre‑tournament win against New Zealand caught the eye, but expectations are low and all of Scotland will be hoping Haiti do not cause a major upset on June 14 in Foxborough.

48. Curacao

Dick Advocaat once again leads Curacao, the smallest nation by population and area to reach a World Cup. Their ability to draw on Dutch‑born players is significant, and both Ecuador and Ivory Coast will be wary.