The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the qualification format for African teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to the official CAF statement, Africa will have 9 direct spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, with a 10th team entering an intercontinental playoff for an additional berth.
The qualification process will involve 54 CAF member associations, divided into 9 groups of 6 teams each. The winners of each group will secure direct qualification to the World Cup. The four best-ranked group runners-up will then compete in a playoff, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff against a team from another confederation.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized the historic opportunity for African football, stating that the expanded World Cup slots reflect the continent's growing strength in the sport. The qualification matches are scheduled to begin in November 2023 and conclude in November 2025.
This marks the first time Africa will have more than 5 representatives at a World Cup, following FIFA's decision to expand the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature this expanded format.
