33 Nations Book 2026 World Cup Spots As Nigeria, DR Congo Battle For Playoff Glory
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
THIRTY-THREE countries across six continents have officially secured their places at the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, following Thursday’s round of qualifiers.
Africa already has nine confirmed representatives, with two more—Nigeria and DR Congo—still in contention through the continental playoff route, which leads to the intercontinental finals.
Countries that have qualified so far:
Hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States
Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Europe: England, France
Oceania: New Zealand
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
Nigeria and DR Congo will clash in Sunday’s playoff final in Morocco after both teams advanced with decisive wins on Thursday. DR Congo edged Cameroon 1–0 at the Stade El Barid, while the Super Eagles overpowered Gabon 4–1 after extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The winner of the Africa playoff final will move on to the six-team intercontinental qualifier in Mexico in March 2026, where the last two World Cup tickets will be decided.
