48 Countries Set for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup field is officially set after a historic qualifying cycle that saw Iraq clinch the 48th and final spot in a dramatic playoff victory over Bolivia. This expanded tournament features a record-breaking lineup of nations across 12 groups, including first-time qualifiers like Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Cape Verde making their debut on the world stage. Roxane Coche, Chair of the UF Department of Media Production, Management and Tech, was a freelance sports reporter who covered previous World Cups. She joined FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to discuss the potential storylines, upsets, and things to look out for ahead of the tournament.