A Revolution Called 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is living through a historic transformation. After its best-ever World Cup performance in Qatar 2022 — highlighted by Morocco’s run to the semifinals — Africa now enters a new era: for the first time ever, the continent will have nine direct berths and one more through an intercontinental playoff on the road to 2026.

This change comes with the 48-team format approved by FIFA, making Africa the biggest winner of the expansion. From just five spots to nine direct entries, the leap multiplies opportunity and ensures a qualification process that’s more competitive, diverse, and unpredictable than ever.

A Fair and Ambitious Format

The 54 CAF member nations were drawn into nine groups of six. The group winners earned automatic qualification for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will play in a CAF playoff to decide who advances to the intercontinental playoff.

Nine nations have already secured their tickets to North America 2026: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. It’s a perfect blend of tradition, power, and surprise — with Cape Verde making history by qualifying for the first time ever.

Meanwhile, the drama continues in the African playoff, where Nigeria will face Gabon, and Cameroon will clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo for the final playoff spot. Two matchups filled with legacy, tension, and redemption.

The Continent on the Rise

While Europe keeps 16 slots and South America rises to 6, Africa’s jump is the most significant of all. Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, emphasized that “Africa is ready to play a leading role in the future of world football.”

With eyes set on 2026, the continent is ready for its most hopeful chapter yet — nine direct berths, one playoff battle, and millions of dreams ready to conquer the world.