Get ready football fans, because the race for the 2026 World Cup has began! The World’s most prestigious tournament will be bigger and better than ever, with a whopping 48 participants vying for the glory on the grandest stage of them all. From Africa to Europe, teams from across the globe will battle it out in thrilling qualification rounds, showcasing their skill and determination to secure a coveted spot in this historic event.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the three North American Countries (Mexico, United States and Canada) from 11 June to 19 July 2026. This will be the 23rd edition of the men’s football tournament that draws qualified national teams of FIFA member countries from across the world. The tournament is held every 4 years and is hosted by a country selected by FIFA. With an expanded format that includes 48 participants, the competition is set to reach new heights. So fasten your seatbelts and join us as we dive into the exciting world Cup qualifiers for 2026 which will commence in September 2023 and end in March 2026. An overview for all Leagues can be found on our Football predictions page
World Cup Qualifiers predictions
Panama vs El Salvador Prediction
The third round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in Group A continues on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, when Panama host El Salvador at the Estadio Rommel Fernández. Kick-off is scheduled for 04:00 AM GMT +3. This fixture pits the in-form Panamanians, currently second in the group with 9 points from unbeaten outings, against an El ... More
Costa Rica vs Honduras Prediction
The third-round Group C encounter of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers will see Costa Rica host Honduras on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at 4:00 AM GMT +3 at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. This fixture carries considerable significance for both nations as they seek to consolidate positions in a tightly contested qualifying group. Costa ... More
Wales vs North Macedonia Prediction
The World Cup Qualifying (Europe) encounter between Wales and Macedonia will take place on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 at 10:45 PM GMT +3 at the Cardiff City Stadium. This Group J fixture is pivotal as both nations sit level on 13 points and are separated narrowly in the table: Macedonia occupies second place while Wales ... More
Sweden vs Slovenia Prediction
The World Cup Qualifiers for Europe continue on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, when Sweden host Slovenia at the Strawberry Arena (kick-off 22:45 GMT+3) in Group B (matchday 10). Both sides arrive under pressure: Sweden occupy 4th place in the group with 1 point from five matches, while Slovenia sit in 3rd spot with 3 points. ... More
Spain vs Turkey Prediction
The European qualification for the FIFA World Cup continues on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, with a high-profile Group E fixture between Spain and Turkey, kick-off scheduled at 22:45 GMT+3. Spain occupy first place in the group with a perfect record and 15 points from five matches, while Turkey sit close behind in second with 12 ... More
Scotland vs Denmark Prediction
The final round of WC-Quali. Europe Group C provides a high-stakes encounter on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, when Scotland host Denmark at Hampden Park kickoff 22:45 GMT+3. This fixture has significant implications for both sides in a tightly contested group: Denmark lead the table with 11 points, having recorded three wins and two draws without ... More
Kosovo vs Switzerland Prediction
The World Cup Qualifying (Europe) Group B fixture between Kosovo and Switzerland will take place on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 at 22:45 (GMT+3) at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri. This encounter presents a significant moment in a tightly contested group, with Switzerland occupying first place on 13 points and Kosovo close behind in second place on 10 ... More
Belgium vs Liechtenstein Prediction
The European qualifying fixture for the FIFA World Cup between Belgium and Liechtenstein is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November 2025 at 22:45 GMT+3. The match, which forms part of Group J in the WC-Quali. Europe series, will be staged at the Stade Sclessin. Belgium enter this encounter as clear favourites by virtue of their superior ... More
Austria vs Bosnia & Herzegovina Prediction
The European qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup continues with a pivotal Group H encounter as Austria host Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 18.11.2025, at 10:45 PM GT+3. Austria sit atop the group with 18 points from seven matches (6 wins, 0 draws, 1 defeat), boasting an ... More
Nigeria vs DR Congo Prediction
The World Cup Qualifiers for Africa continue with an important fixture on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at 10:00 when Nigeria hosts DR Congo. This encounter carries significant weight for both teams as they chase qualification progression in a tightly contested group. Nigeria enters the match with a strong home record and renewed momentum following a ... More
Azerbaijan vs France Prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign for Europe resumes with a notable Group D fixture as Azerbaijan hosts France on Sunday, 16 November 2025 at 20:00 local time. The match will be played at the Tofig Bakhramov Stadium and represents a critical step for both teams in their respective ambitions: Azerbaijan seeking to lift ... More
Albania vs England Prediction
The World Cup Qualifying fixture in Europe between Albania and England will take place on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at 8:00 local time at the Air Albania Stadium. This Group K encounter pits second-placed Albania, who have accumulated 14 points, against group leaders England, on 21 points. England arrive at this match having won all ... More
Ukraine vs Iceland WC Prediction
The World Cup Qualifying encounter between Ukraine and Iceland will take place on Sunday, 16 November 2025 at 8:00 PM GMT +3 at Stadion Wojska Polskiego. This Group D fixture has clear competitive implications as Ukraine sit second in the group with seven points while Iceland occupy third place on four points. Ukraine arrive with ... More
Switzerland vs Sweden Prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign for Europe resumes with a pivotal Group B fixture as Switzerland host Sweden at the Stade de Genève on Saturday, 15 November 2025, kickoff scheduled for 22:45 GMT+3. This encounter pits the group leaders, Switzerland, against a struggling Sweden side seeking to arrest a poor run of results. ... More
Greece vs Scotland Prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in Europe resumes with a significant Group C fixture on Saturday, 15 November 2025, when Greece host Scotland at the Georgios Karaiskakis. Kick-off is scheduled for 22:45 GMT+3. This match pits a home side that has struggled for consistency against an away team that has impressed in the ... More
Denmark vs Belarus Prediction
The European World Cup Qualifying Group C fixture between Denmark and Belarus will take place on Saturday, 15.11.2025 at 22:45 GMT+3 local time, staged at Parken Stadium. Denmark enter the contest as clear frontrunners in Group C, situated atop the table with 10 points from four matches (3 wins, 1 draw, 0 defeats) and a ... More
Turkey vs Bulgaria Prediction
The European qualifying schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup sees Turkey host Bulgaria on Saturday, 15 November 2025 at 20:00 (GMT+3). This fixture, played at Bursa Metropolitan Stadium as part of WC-Quali. Europe Group E (matchday 9), offers Turkey an opportunity to consolidate their position in the group table, while Bulgaria face a crucial ... More
Georgia vs Spain WC Prediction
The World Cup Qualifying match for Europe between Georgia and Spain will take place on Saturday, 15.11.2025 at 20:00 (GMT+3) at the Boris Paichadze Stadium. This Group E encounter pits an improving Spanish side against a Georgian team that has shown resilience at home despite mixed results overall. Spain lead the group with a perfect ... More
Kazakhstan vs Belgium Prediction
The World Cup 2026 European Qualifying fixture between Kazakhstan and Belgium will take place on Saturday, 15 November 2025 at 17:00 GMT+3. The match, a Group J encounter at the Astana Arena, pits Kazakhstan — currently fourth in the group with 7 points — against group leaders Belgium, who top the table on 14 points. ... More
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland Prediction
Friday, 14 November 2025 (22:45) at the Košická futbalová aréna will stage a crucial Group A fixture of the WC-Quali. Europe. Slovakia, coached by Francesco Calzona, travel with nine points and occupy second place in the group after three wins and one defeat (goals 5:2). Northern Ireland are third with six points from two wins ... More
Qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026
Qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup is based on the 6 continental football federations under FIFA: CONCACAF, AFC, CAF, OFC, CONMEBOL and EUFA. Each continental federation is given an agreed number of slots out of the total number of 48. Member nations compete for these slots for the right to participate in the main event. The host nations qualifies automatically. The continental regions are:
- Africa – 9 teams
- Europe – 16 teams
- Asia – 8
- North, Central America, and the Caribbean – 6 teams
- South America – 6 teams
- Oceania – 1 team
- Play-off Tournament: 2 teams
In order to secure a spot in the tournament, national teams will have to navigate their way through various qualifying stages specific to their respective confederations. Each confederation has its own unique format and criteria for determining which teams will earn their place on the world stage. This is commonly done through group matches, league format, or knockout matches.
The numbers above accounts for only 46 of the 48 required teams. With the remaining 2 teams to be seeded by a 6-team play-offs in the FIFA playoff Tournament – teams to be selected based on FIFA’s proposal:
- 1 team from each confederation except UEFA
- 1 team from host’s confederation (CONCACAF)
- Out of this 6 teams, 2 teams will be seeded based on FIFA ranking
Latest betting predictions
| Match | Date | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich vs Sporting CP Prediction | Tue, 09.12.2025 | Correct Score 2-0 |
| Atalanta vs Chelsea Prediction | Tue, 09.12.2025 | Under 2,5 Goals |
| Barcelona vs Frankfurt Prediction | Tue, 09.12.2025 | HC -2 Barcelona Win |
| Inter Milan vs Liverpool Prediction | Tue, 09.12.2025 | Inter Milan Win – Tip 1 |
| Athletic Bilbao vs PSG Prediction | Wed, 10.12.2025 | BTTS? YES |
| Club Brugge vs Arsenal Prediction | Wed, 10.12.2025 | Correct Score 1-2 |
| Dortmund vs Bodo/Glimt Prediction | Wed, 10.12.2025 | HT/FT – 1/1 |
| Real Madrid vs Man City Prediction | Wed, 10.12.2025 | Draw – Tip X |
| Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis Prediction | Thu, 11.12.2025 | Real Betis Win – Tip 1 |
| Basel vs Aston Villa Prediction | Thu, 11.12.2025 | Over 3,5 Goals |
| Celtic vs AS Roma Prediction | Thu, 11.12.2025 | BTTS? YES |
| Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Prediction | Thu, 11.12.2025 | RB Leipzig Win |
Africa qualification format
Africa is allocated 9 slots out of the final 48 teams to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. There are a total of 54 national teams that are members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competing for the nine places available. All the 54 member associations of CAF entered qualification. The seeding was done based on FIFA rankings.
The qualification format used by CAF for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is divided into three stages:
First Stage (Group Stage)
In the first stage, all 54 national teams are divided into 9 groups of 6 member teams each, based on the FIFA ranking. Each group plays against each other in a home-and-away format, with the group winners securing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The first stage will start from 13th November 2023 up until 25th March 2025.
Second Stage (4 Best Runners-up Play-Offs)
In stage two, the four best second-placed teams from the group stage will enter into a play-off stage to decide the one team that will be representing CAF in the FIFA play-off tournament. The play-off winner will proceed to compete with other 5 members who will be representing other confederations. The knockout games will be held from 1st September, 2025 to 14th October. 2025.
Third Stage (FIFA play-Offs)
Stage three is where it gets really intense as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws nearer. The winner form stage two goes to represents CAF in the FIFA play-off tournament to compete for the remaining 2 out of the 48 participating slots in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The third round matches will be played on 10th-18th November 2025.
Europe qualification format
Europe takes the lion’s share of the expanded 48 world cup slots available to FIFA members. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) will produce 16 teams for the tournament. All 55 member nations of UEFA will enter qualification to compete for the available slots. On 25 January, 2023, the UEFA Executive Committee presented the revised qualification format due to the expanded qualifying slots from13 to 16. The updated qualification path also follows UEFA’s usual format of Group Stage and Playoff Stage. The results of the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League will be factored into the qualification process.
Group Stage
There will be 12 groups comprising 4 or 5 teams each. The top 4 teams from the UEFA Nations League finals will be placed in smaller groups. The 12 group winners will earn an automatic qualifying spot for the World Cup. The 12 group runners-up proceed to the playoff stage.
Playoff Stage
The playoff stage is contested by a total of 16 teams. These include the 12 runners-up from the group stage plus 4 highest ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who fail to finish in the top 2 of the world cup qualifying group stage. The 16 teams at this stage are divided into 4 groups. In each group, the 4 teams are paired and they play each other in a one-legged knockout format of semi-finals and finals. The 4 winners from each group qualify for the world cup. They join the winners from the group stage to make it 16 European teams at the world cup.
Our World Cup qualifiers predictions
Africa
After a successful CAF Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26 which took place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, the group stage matches is poised to bring together some interesting matchups. Only 1 team can proceed from each group so some big names are likely to miss out. Continental giants Nigeria and South Africa are both in Group C; Algeria battles Uganda in Group G, Morocco will clash with Zambia, and Ghana will face Mali in Group I. The other top teams have relatively easy groups that they are expected to win. y
Our World Cup qualifiers predictions for Africa
From the qualification path, the most likely teams to qualify for FIFA World Cup 26 from Africa are; Morocco, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Code d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Egypt, and South Africa. You can also dive into our top-notch AFCON tips for some sure wins in the ongoing African Cup of Nation’s qualifiers!
Europe
The European format gives a second chance to big teams that fail to top their qualification groups to qualify via the playoff stages. This means that there will be competition for the top 2 slots of each group.
Our World Cup qualifiers predictions for Europe
The 12 teams that are likely to top their respective groups are: Portugal, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Denmark, England, Germany, Serbia, Switzerland, and Croatia.