Uzbekistan and Jordan have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever. South Korea also secured their spot in the tournament.
These three nations are now among the 10 teams confirmed for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The host nations qualified automatically, while the others who are through so far include Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina.
Uzbekistan drew 0-0 with the UAE to qualify, while South Korea beat Iraq 2-0, a result that also helped Jordan confirm their place after a 3-0 win over Oman.
Uzbekistan, currently ranked 57th in the world, played their first match as an independent country in 1992 and joined FIFA in 1994. Their closest chance before this was in 2006 when they lost out in controversial circumstances during a play-off against Bahrain.
Jordan, ranked 62nd, have tried to qualify since 1986 and came closest in 2014 when they lost a play-off against Uruguay. Their strong showing this time earns them a well-deserved first appearance at the finals.
The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams, and more nations are expected to join the confirmed list in the coming months as qualifiers continue around the world.
