when do world cup qualifiers start for 2026

telrinos

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14-03-2025

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a spectacle, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Naturally, anticipation is high for the qualifying rounds. But when exactly do these crucial matches begin? Let's dive in.

The 2026 World Cup Qualifying Process: A Complex Timeline

Unlike previous tournaments, the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup is particularly intricate. This complexity stems from the expanded tournament format, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48. This expansion necessitates a longer and more involved qualifying stage.

No Single Start Date: A Gradual Rollout

There isn't one definitive start date for all 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Instead, the qualification process unfolds gradually across different confederations (continental football governing bodies). Each confederation has its own schedule, impacting when their respective qualifying matches commence.

• CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean): While precise dates aren't yet finalized by CONCACAF, it's expected their qualifying campaign will start sometime in late 2023 or early 2024. The expanded format means a more elaborate qualifying structure compared to previous cycles.

• AFC (Asia): The Asian Football Confederation usually begins its qualifying rounds a couple of years out from the World Cup. Expect the AFC qualifiers to start around mid-2023 or early 2024.

• CAF (Africa): African qualifiers typically start earlier than other confederations. We anticipate the CAF qualifying matches starting around mid-2023.

• CONMEBOL (South America): South American qualifying is often known for its highly competitive matches. Expect CONMEBOL qualifiers to start in late 2023 or early 2024.

• UEFA (Europe): European qualification for major tournaments is notoriously rigorous. While precise dates are not yet confirmed, expect the UEFA qualifying phase to commence around late 2023 or early 2024.

Why the Staggered Start?

The staggered start dates across confederations reflect several factors:

• Geographic considerations: The vast distances and varying climates across the different continents necessitate scheduling that accounts for travel logistics and weather conditions.

• Confederation-Specific Structures: Each confederation has its unique qualifying format based on the number of participating teams and their respective footballing strengths.

• International Match Calendar: Coordinating with the already packed international football calendar presents logistical hurdles.

Where to Find the Most Up-to-Date Information

For the most accurate and current information on the start dates for your region's 2026 World Cup qualifiers, regularly check the official websites of the respective confederations:

• FIFA: www.fifa.com
• CONCACAF: www.concacaf.com
• AFC: www.the-afc.com
• CAF: www.cafonline.com
• CONMEBOL: www.conmebol.com
• UEFA: www.uefa.com

Remember to bookmark these sites and stay tuned for official announcements! The road to the 2026 World Cup is about to begin.

The Excitement Builds

The 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments yet. The expanded format and the unique joint hosting by three North American nations guarantee an unforgettable event. Keep an eye out for those qualifying matches—they're the crucial first step on the journey to the greatest show on Earth!