Thirty-three countries have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Nigeria and DR Congo set for a decisive Africa playoff final.
According to a report from PUNCH, thirty-three nations across six continents have officially secured their places at the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup following Thursday’s qualification matches.
Africa currently has nine confirmed representatives, while two additional countries—Nigeria and DR Congo—remain in contention through the continental playoffs, which offer a pathway to the intercontinental qualifying round.
Below is the full list of teams already qualified as of Thursday:
Host nations
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
The decisive Africa playoff final between the Leopards of DR Congo and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will take place on Sunday in Morocco. DR Congo advanced after defeating Cameroon 1-0 at the Stade El Barid, while Nigeria reached the final with a 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, both in Rabat.
The winner will move on to a six-team intercontinental qualifier scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, which will determine the final two spots at the World Cup jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.