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2026 Women's World Cup: Qualifying Pathways & Emerging Teams

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 11:34 GMT by Sports Illustrated

The Road to 2026: A Comprehensive Look at Women's World Cup Qualifying and Emerging Champions

The landscape of women’s international soccer is shifting, and Sports Illustrated’s recent guide lays out the complex path to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup – a tournament poised to be the largest ever. The article details the qualifying processes for various confederations, highlights emerging national teams, and previews potential contenders vying for the coveted trophy. This summary will delve into the key takeaways, outlining qualifying structures, identifying rising stars, and analyzing the shift in power dynamics within the women’s game.

The Expanded Format & Qualifying Chaos

The 2026 World Cup will feature 32 teams, up from the 24 that competed in 2019 and 2023. While expansion aims to democratize the sport and include more nations, it significantly complicates the qualification process. Each of FIFA’s six confederations (AFC - Asia, CAF - Africa, CONCACAF - North/Central America & Caribbean, CONMEBOL - South America, OFC - Oceania, and UEFA - Europe) has been allocated a specific number of qualifying slots.

The article details that CONCACAF is undergoing a particularly complex qualification process. The 2023 CONCACAF W Championship determined four direct qualifiers (USA, Canada, Jamaica, and Costa Rica). However, the remaining CONCACAF teams are now competing in the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup (which incorporates World Cup qualifying) alongside teams from other confederations. This hybrid tournament adds another layer of complexity, with the top teams securing berths for both the Gold Cup semifinals and qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Gold Cup is essentially functioning as a continuation of World Cup qualifying for many CONCACAF nations.

UEFA, boasting the most allocated spots (11), has a more traditional qualifying format - group stages culminating in a playoff round. The article notes the highly competitive nature of UEFA qualifying, where even historically strong teams face fierce competition for a limited number of places.

Africa (CAF) and Asia (AFC) are also dealing with evolving qualifying processes, increasing the number of matches and rounds. Oceania (OFC), traditionally underrepresented, now has a direct spot and a playoff opportunity. CONMEBOL, with a smaller pool of nations, will likely send the top teams directly, with a playoff spot available for a fifth team.

Beyond the Usual Suspects: The Rise of New Contenders

For years, the United States has dominated women’s soccer. However, the Sports Illustrated piece emphasizes that the gap is closing. While the USWNT remains a threat, the 2023 World Cup demonstrated a clear shift in power, with the US exiting in the Round of 16 and Spain ultimately winning the tournament.

The article specifically highlights several nations on the rise. Colombia has emerged as a serious contender in South America, showcasing a young and dynamic team that challenged the USWNT during qualifying. Morocco, after a historic run to the Round of 16 in the 2023 World Cup, is proving to be a force in Africa. Haiti, a surprise qualifier for the last World Cup, is continuing to build a competitive program. Portugal, led by veteran Diana Silva, is making waves in Europe and consistently challenging established powers.

These teams, and others like Zambia and the Philippines (the latter making their World Cup debut in 2023), are benefiting from increased investment in women’s soccer, improved coaching, and the opportunity for players to gain experience in professional leagues around the world. The expansion of the World Cup provides these nations with a legitimate pathway to participate on the biggest stage and compete against the traditionally dominant teams.

Key Players and Teams to Watch

The article names several key players expected to shine in the coming years. Aitana Bonmatí (Spain) is touted as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner and a central figure in Spain's success. Alexia Putellas (Spain), despite injury setbacks, remains a world-class talent. Kada Mpemba (South Africa) and Barbara Banda (Zambia) are highlighted as dynamic attackers leading their respective nations. Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith (USA) are identified as key players for the USWNT as they navigate this new era.

Looking ahead, the piece suggests that England remains a strong contender, having reached the final of the 2023 World Cup, and France is poised to challenge for the title if they can harness their talent effectively. Germany is always a threat, despite recent inconsistencies. Spain, the defending champions, will face pressure to maintain their level of performance, but their core of talented players suggests they are well-equipped to do so.

The Future of Women's Soccer

The Sports Illustrated article ultimately paints a picture of a rapidly evolving sport. The expanded World Cup format, while presenting logistical challenges, is fostering greater competition and inclusivity. The rise of new contenders is disrupting the established order, and the emergence of talented players from around the globe is adding depth and excitement to the women’s game.

The 2026 World Cup promises to be a landmark event, not only in terms of size but also in terms of showcasing the global growth and potential of women’s soccer. The road to qualification will be arduous, but the rewards – a place on the world stage and the chance to compete for the ultimate prize – are well worth the effort. The article successfully captures the dynamism of the current landscape, highlighting that the future of women’s soccer is bright, competitive, and more global than ever before.