This includes an intercontinental play-off tournament involving six teams to decide the last two FIFA World Cup spots.

[4] Russia were suspended indefinitely on 28 February 2022 from participating in UEFA and FIFA competitions due to their country's invasion of Ukraine.

[6] A circular distributed by UEFA on 11 November 2024 stated 192 group stage matches would take place, confirming Russia's exclusion from the tournament.

[7] Eritrea withdrew from qualification prior to playing any matches, reportedly due to concerns that players would seek political asylum if allowed to travel overseas.

If the score is still level at the end of extra time, the away goals rule will not be applied and the winners will be decided by a penalty shoot-out (Regulations Article 11.9).

[12] In the single-leg knockout format, the team scoring more goals in a single match wins and advances.

The qualification structure is as follows: Sri Lanka were suspended in January 2023[16] and they did not appear in the draw information the AFC released in early July.

[41] Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia's national team is currently suspended, and their exclusion was confirmed in a circular distributed by UEFA on 11 November 2024.

[42] A play-off tournament involving six teams – one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC and two from CONCACAF – will be held to decide the last two FIFA World Cup berths.