Japan became the first national team to qualify through the World Cup qualifiers, with New Zealand and Argentina also clinching

World Cup that was Qatar 2022 means less time to prep for 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, so don't be surprised to see CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying back on your screens this fall, less than one year since Argentina beat France to the 2022 crown.

UEFA Japan last week became the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Iran joined the Samurai Blue on Tuesday. The rest of Asia will have to wait until the final window of third-round qualifiers in June to book tickets — either to the World Cup or a last-chance fourth round.