Are World Cup qualifiers over? In short: no, the World Cup qualifiers are not over. The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is very much still under way — CicloKick is here to break down where things stand, which teams are in, which are out, and what matches are still to come.
What stage are the qualifiers at now
To understand the current picture, it helps to know how the qualification process works — and which confederations are nearing completion or just getting started.
- The qualifiers are a global, multi-phase affair. Each continental confederation (UEFA, CONMEBOL, AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, OFC) has its own format, group stages, rounds, playoffs, etc. Some regions have finished their qualifiers, others are still deep into them.
- For example, Oceania’s qualifiers (OFC) ended in March 2025, with New Zealand securing direct qualification and New Caledonia going to intercontinental playoffs.
- In contrast, UEFA is still running group-stage matches through November 2025, with playoff rounds scheduled March 2026. Many European nations have not yet secured their spots.
- Similarly, in Asia (AFC), the fourth round is scheduled for October 2025, determining direct qualifiers and playoff contenders.
- In CONCACAF, some matches and rounds remain: there are feed-ins required to determine the remaining qualifiers and who will go to inter-confederation playoffs.
Which teams have already qualified & which are out
Some nations have confirmed their spots. Also, some major teams are already mathematically or officially eliminated. Here are key updates:
Qualified teams so far:
- Australia (from AFC) secured qualification early by finishing in top positions in their group.
- New Zealand directly qualified.
- Other teams across Asia and elsewhere have also clinched their places, but many slots are still up for grabs.
Teams eliminated or unlikely to make it:
- Some teams have been knocked out mathematically in their groups, particularly in AFC and UEFA, though the list keeps changing as matches happen.
- Notably, the inter-confederation playoffs and remaining qualifiers leave room for surprises. Some teams with slim chances are still fighting.
Why the confusion: when are qualifiers “over”?
Many fansk are world cup qualifiers over because they see that in some regions, matches are done; others are still going. Here are reasons people might think they are finished:
- Some confederations have completed their qualifier stages. Like OFC (Oceania), which wrapped up in early 2025.
- Host nations don’t need to qualify. Canada, Mexico, and the USA are hosts for 2026 so they automatically qualify. That removes some paths and matches.
- Preliminary rounds are done. Some smaller nations have already been eliminated or advanced in initial rounds, so that part is “over” for them.
- Playoffs are scheduled in the future. Even though the group stages for many regions are nearing their end, additional playoff matches and inter-confederation details extend well into 2026.
What’s coming up — key dates & what’s left to decide
If you’re following the qualifiers, here are the big remaining moments to watch:
- October–November 2025 — UEFA has important group stage matchdays during this period. Final group standings will start to solidify.
- October 2025 — AFC’s fourth round matches will be played. Winners get direct qualification; runners-up head to playoffs.
- March 2026 — UEFA playoffs (play-off paths) are scheduled for late March. This will decide the final European qualifiers.
- Inter-confederation playoffs — depending on region, there are playoff spots still unresolved, which will be finalized in different windows, often early 2026.
Answering the question directly
So, to answer “are world cup qualifiers over”:
- No — qualifiers are not over globally. Many matches remain, several confederations still have group stage games and/or playoff rounds left.
- Some are over — particularly in confederations like OFC, and for teams that have already qualified or been eliminated. But that doesn’t mean the whole process is complete.
- The final picture will only be clear once all groups conclude, playoffs are played, and inter-confederation matches finish — which will be into 2026.
Conclusion
The bottom line: world cup qualifiers are not over. While parts of the process have concluded and some teams are locked in, many nations are still fighting for the last spots. Matches continue through late 2025 and into early 2026, including playoffs across different confederations and inter-confederation matchups.
CicloKick encourages you to keep your eyes on the fixture calendars, results, and playoff draws — because the tension, drama, and surprises are far, or show you which matches to watch next — just say the word!
