World Cup 2026 line-up complete as playoffs deliver drama and heartbreak

The 48-team line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been finalised following a dramatic conclusion to the playoff rounds, confirming an expanded tournament that will feature more nations, more matches and heightened global stakes.

After months of qualification campaigns across continents, the final places were decided in a series of tightly contested fixtures that delivered both historic returns and notable absences.

The enlarged format, introduced under FIFA president Gianni Infantino, marks a significant shift in the competition’s structure, broadening participation and reshaping the path to the finals.

Among the last teams to secure qualification, Iraq sealed their place with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in Monterrey.

The result carries particular significance, as it marks the nation’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

The team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, produced a performance led by Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein, continuing a legacy associated with former national figure Ahmed Radhi.

Another long-awaited return comes from DR Congo, who overcame Jamaica 1-0 after extra time.

The decisive moment arrived in the closing stages, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring the goal that ended the tie.

The Leopards’ qualification ends a prolonged absence stretching back to their last appearance in 1974, restoring their presence on football’s biggest stage.

While several nations celebrated qualification, the playoffs also delivered disappointment for others, most notably Italy.

The four-time world champions were eliminated after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, extending a run of absences that now sees them miss a third consecutive World Cup.

Italy had taken the lead through Moise Kean, but the match turned following the dismissal of Alessandro Bastoni.

Bosnia and Herzegovina capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Haris Tabakovic scoring the equaliser to bring the contest level.

With no winner decided in regular or extra time, the match proceeded to penalties, where Italy’s hopes were ended.

Elsewhere in the playoffs, the Czech Republic secured their qualification by overcoming Denmark in another penalty shootout, underlining the fine margins that defined the final phase of the qualifying process.

Sweden also booked their place at the tournament, defeating Poland to ensure their return to the global competition.

Turkey completed the list of qualifiers by confirming their place with a victory in Kosovo, rounding off the final set of results that determined the composition of the 2026 tournament.

The completion of the 48-team bracket sets the stage for what is expected to be a markedly different World Cup.

The expanded format introduces a broader range of teams and increases the number of matches, creating a competition that is both more inclusive and potentially more unpredictable.

For returning nations such as Iraq and DR Congo, qualification represents a significant milestone, reflecting years of effort to re-establish themselves at international level.

Their presence adds diversity to the tournament and introduces narratives shaped by long absences and renewed ambition.

Conversely, Italy’s continued absence highlights the challenges faced by established football powers in navigating the evolving qualification landscape.

Missing out on three successive tournaments underscores a period of difficulty for a nation with a storied World Cup history.

The playoff phase, characterised by narrow margins, late goals and penalty shootouts, ultimately determined the final composition of the tournament.

Each result contributed to a broader picture of a competition that will feature a mix of traditional contenders and emerging teams.

With the list of qualified nations now confirmed, attention will turn to preparations for the finals, where the expanded format is expected to deliver a tournament unlike any before.

The balance between established teams and returning sides could shape a competition defined by unpredictability and opportunity.