Eight stadiums scattered among Qatar’s five towns of Lusail, Al Khor, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, and Doha will host the event. The World Cup knockout stage’s top two teams from each group have already been assigned their places.
The two intercontinental playoff champions also received two opening positions in Groups D and E. After winning the game on penalties over Peru, Australia was issued the first penalty. Costa Rica defeated New Zealand 1-0 in the opposing intercontinental playoff to earn the 32nd and last spot in Qatar 2022.
How Many Teams are in the FIFA World Cup?
Before the field for the 2026 World Cup is enlarged to 48 teams, the Qatar 2022 Men’s World Cup will include 32 teams. Since France 1998, 32 teams have participated in the FIFA Men’s World Cup. 31 other nations who qualified through regional matches will be competing in the event alongside host nation Qatar.
The 32 teams competing in the World Cup now that qualification for the event is over are:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- England
- France
- Germany
- Ghana
- Iran
- Japan
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
- USA
- Wales
In June 2022, one country from each of four separate regions competed in two intercontinental playoff matches, which included the four playoff qualifiers from the list above. These matches—Asia vs. South America and North America vs. Oceania—decided the last two World Cup qualifiers.
- Asia vs. South America: On June 13, Australia (third in the Asian qualifying group) defeated Peru (fifth in South America) on penalties to secure a spot in Qatar. In order to face Peru, the Socceroos, who are competing in their fifth straight World Cup, needed to win 2-1 against the United Arab Emirates in an Asian confederation playoff.
- North America vs. Oceania: Costa Rica (4th position in North America) overcame New Zealand (Oceania winner) 1-0 on June 14 to secure the final ticket to Qatar and qualified for the World Cup. The Ticos will compete against Germany, Spain, and Japan in Group E.
