In 2026, the 23rd World Cup will take place and there has been several major changes to the format so we took a closer look at what that means for the African nations in the qualifying process.
It has recently been announced that 48 teams will take part in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, meaning that these nations will not have to go through the qualifying rounds, therefore leaving 45 places up for grabs.
Although the new format of the World Cup has caused great controversy, it means that there is more inclusion for the nations that do not usually qualify and will give a great opportunity for fans to see their nation at the world’s most prestigious tournament for the first time.
How does the qualification process work?
There are 53 African nations that have a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, where they are split up into nine groups of six (one of five) and will face each nation in their group both home and away.
Once all matches have been played, the four best runners-up will face off in a semi- final and final process to decide who makes it into the FIFA Play-off Tournament.
How many African nations can qualify?
All nine sides that top their respective groups will guarantee themselves a place at the 2026 World Cup, with the nation who battles it out in the FIFA Play-off Tournament having a chance to make it 10 African nations present in 2026.
Key dates for you to remember
The CAF qualifiers for the 26 FIFA World Cup will commence on 14 November 2023 and end in November 2025, so over a two year period where the group stages will see each nation play 10 matches.
The World Cup will take place on 11 June 2026 and will end on 19 July 2026, so the preparation for the highly anticipated tournament will take place over a two and a half year period.
The Super Eagles are placed Group C, with their first match of the qualifiers against Lesotho on Thursday.
Bet on the CAF Qualifiers at Bet9ja, for the most pre-match and live markets in Nigeria!
