2026년 북미 월드컵에 대한 관심이 오프시즌임에도 불구하고 매우 높습니다. 48개 국가로의 확장으로 인해 조 추첨 전략과 포트 배정의 중요성이 더욱 커졌습니다. 이번 글에서는 한국 국가대표팀이 포트 2에 진입하기 위한 목표와 현재 대륙 예선의 현황, 개막전 일정 등을 요약해 보겠습니다. 이제 아래에서 하나씩 확인해보겠습니다.
The interest in the 2026 North America World Cup is high even during the off-season. With the expansion to 48 countries, the importance of the draw strategy and pot allocation has increased. We summarize the South Korean national team’s goal of being in Pot 2, the current status of the continental qualifiers, and the full schedule including the opening match.
South Korean National Team: 11th Consecutive Finals + Pot 2 as Key Goal
South Korea has confirmed its 11th consecutive World Cup finals. The remaining year will focus on preparing for the finals while aiming for Pot 2 allocation through FIFA ranking management. Being in Pot 2 allows for a relatively favorable group formation in the draw, reducing risks.
- South Korea FIFA Ranking: 23rd (positioned at the Pot 2 threshold)
- Despite winning two consecutive matches in the June Asian 3rd qualifiers, Denmark at 21st and Austria at 22nd both won, maintaining their rankings.
- Australia is expected to move from 26th to 24th, with a small point difference from South Korea, creating a competitive scenario.
- Pot allocation criteria: FIFA ranking as of October 2025, with the draw expected to take place in November-December.
Finals Format: 48 Countries, 12 Groups, 32-Team Knockout Stage
- Pot: 12 teams in each of Pot 1-4, 12 groups × 4 teams
- Advancing from the group stage: 24 teams from the top 2 in each group + the top 8 among the 3rd place teams → 32-team knockout stage
- Significance: Increased number of matches expands variables, while the frequency of big matches is relatively dispersed.
Current Status of Qualified Countries and Continental Allocations
Asia (AFC) — 8 teams directly qualified, 1 team intercontinental playoff
Confirmed Finals (based on original text): Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Japan, Australia
In the 3rd qualifying round, the 3rd and 4th place teams (UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia) will compete in the 4th qualifying round, where the top 2 teams from each group will qualify directly, and the winners of the two 2nd places will go to the intercontinental playoff.
Africa (CAF) — 9 teams directly qualified, 1 team intercontinental playoff
Confirmed Finals: None (in progress)
54 countries are competing in 9 groups (6 teams each) for the qualifiers, with each team playing 10 matches. Only the group winners qualify directly. The schedule will continue until October 2025.
North America (CONCACAF) — 6 teams directly qualified, 2 teams intercontinental playoff
Confirmed Finals: USA, Mexico, Canada (host country)
The remaining 3 direct spots are still competitive. Panama and Costa Rica are being mentioned as strong candidates.
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