World Cup 2026

When do the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup start?

The next World Cup is still years away, but FIFA, CONCACAF, UEFA, and CAF have already revealed some details about the road to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco in 2030.

PAUL ELLIS

Roddy Cons

Digital sports journalist

Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe’s leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports.

Update: Jul 20th, 2026 07:44 EDT

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The 2026 World Cup has only just finished, which means it’s probably far too early to already be thinking about the 2030 tournament. Yet here we are.

The 24th edition of the World Cup is slated for summer 2030, with the working schedule running from June 8 to July 21. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will be the main co-hosts, while Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will each host one opening match to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, which was held in Uruguay.

We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether FIFA’s latest idea is revolutionary or ridiculous.

As was the case this summer, 48 teams are due to take part, although world soccer’s governing body has hinted it could expand the tournament again to 64 teams. As it stands, the exact number is still a little up in the air. What we do know is that the six aforementioned co-hosts will all qualify automatically.

Given we don’t even know how many countries will be taking part, and with each confederation focused on its own continental tournaments, little has been confirmed about 2030 World Cup qualification. However, we do have a rough idea of when the wheels may be set in motion. Here’s what we know so far.

The cup has a new owner 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/UEFVPtX9u2
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 20, 2026

CONCACAF qualification schedule

CONCACAF has confirmed 2030 World Cup qualification will have three rounds, the first of which will begin in the September-October 2027 FIFA window. The last round will be played in the September-October 2029 window and will see six nations qualify for the tournament, provided the 48-team format remains.

A seventh could still reach the World Cup via the FIFA intercontinental playoffs, which will take place in November 2029.

UEFA qualification plans

UEFA has stated that 2030 World Cup qualifying will use a revamped Champions League-style “Swiss system” format, although the full details are expected to be revealed in September. The dates have also yet to be confirmed, although qualification is expected to begin in either late 2027 or early 2028, ahead of the 2028 European Championship.

Again, if the 48-team tournament is retained, 14 European nations will qualify alongside Spain and Portugal.

CAF qualification

If nothing changes, nine African countries will feature at the 2030 World Cup, with co-host Morocco qualifying automatically. Eight spots will be up for grabs in qualifying, which is expected to begin in the September-October 2027 FIFA window after the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Before the 2030 World Cup

We’ll have to wait a little longer for details to be finalized and more dates to be announced elsewhere, but there will be plenty to keep fans occupied in the meantime, with the return of club soccer, the 2027 Gold Cup, the 2028 European Championship, the 2028 Copa América, and plenty more.