Reigning World Cup champions Argentina are in the tournament and the other five automatic qualifying spots have been filled with one matchday to spare in CONMEBOL.

Countries from around the world will compete in FIFA's Intercontinental Playoffs for a chance to make the final two spots in the World Cup.

Argentina's World Cup hopes are largely spearheaded by Lionel Messi. Stop us if you've heard that before.

With only the UEFA and intercontinental playoffs left, and the draw approaching on Friday, the World Cup is around the corner

In 2010, Spain followed up their Euro 2008 triumph by sweeping to World Cup glory in South Africa. In 2014, La Roja's sequel to Euro 2012 was crashing out in the group stage in Brazil. Which version will Luis de la Fuente's European champions of 2024 most closely resemble?

Egypt is undoubtedly headlined by Mohamed Salah, the nation's record goalscorer, the fourth-place finisher in 2025's Ballon d'Or awards and the Premier League's top scorer in Liverpool's title-winning campaign last season.

In 2026, Rodríguez, the Golden Boot winner in 2014, will captain his country for the last time at a World Cup finals. After finishing runners-up at the 2024 Copa America, Colombia will return to the U.S. with high hopes, but they will have to exorcize the demons of USA 94, a tournament that ended tragically for Colombians around the world.

With the group stage now set after Friday's draw, here are the smart bets we're hurrying to make.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is complete, and with it we have group stage matchups that will be must-see affairs.

Chile also recorded a vital win as Women's World Cup qualification continued in South America.