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
Senegal vs Mauritania prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in Africa continues on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at 22:00 when group B leaders Senegal host Mauritania. This fixture pits a virtually unbeaten Senegalese side — top of the group with 21 points from nine matches — against a resilient but inconsistent Mauritania outfit sitting fifth with seven ... More
Morocco vs Congo prediction
The World Cup Qualifying fixture in Africa between Morocco and Congo will take place on Tuesday, 14.10.2025 at 10:00 PM GMT +3. This Group E meeting sees an in-form Moroccan side, already mathematically dominant in the section, receive a struggling Congolese team in a clash which on paper appears highly one-sided. Morocco top the group ... More
Ivory Coast vs Kenya prediction
The 2025 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers continue on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, when Cote d’Ivoire entertain Kenya in a Group F fixture scheduled for 10:00 PM GMT +3. This encounter finds the Elephants firmly at the summit of Group F with 23 points from nine matches (7 wins, 2 draws, 0 defeats) and an ... More
Turkey vs Georgia WC prediction
The World Cup Qualifying match in Europe between Turkey and Georgia will take place on Tuesday, 14.10.2025 at 9:45 GMT +3. The fixture, part of Group E, is scheduled for Kocaeli Stadyumu and carries significance for both sides as they vie for qualifying momentum. Turkey lie second in the group with 6 points, while Georgia ... More
Spain vs Bulgaria prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualification campaign continues on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, when Spain welcome Bulgaria to the Municipal José Zorrilla for a Group E fixture kicking off at 21:45 GMT+3. Spain sit atop Group E with a perfect record — three wins from three matches and an impressive goal difference of 11:0 ... More
Portugal vs Hungary prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in Europe continues on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, when Portugal host Hungary at the Estádio José Alvalade. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:45 GMT+3 in a Group F fixture that pits the group leaders against the team currently occupying second place. Portugal arrive with a perfect start to their ... More
Latvia vs England prediction
The European qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup returns to Daugava on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, with Latvia hosting England in Group K. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:45 GMT+3. England top the group with a perfect record and an imperious defensive record, while Latvia lie fourth and will look to make the home advantage ... More
Italy vs Israel WC prediction
The European qualification for the FIFA World Cup continues with an intriguing Group I fixture: Italy will host Israel at the Bluenergy Stadium on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, kick-off at 21:45 (GMT+3). This encounter carries significance for both sides: Italy sit second in the group with 12 points from five matches, while Israel occupies third ... More
Andorra vs Serbia prediction
The World Cup Qualification (Europe) Group K fixture between Andorra and Serbia will be contested on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at 21:45 GMT+3. The match will take place at Nou Estadi and represents a crucial opportunity for Serbia to consolidate its position in the group, while Andorra will aim to exploit home advantage in pursuit ... More
Nigeria vs Benin WC prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in Africa continues on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, when Nigeria host Benin in a Group C fixture. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 (GMT+3). This encounter has significant implications for the final standings in Group C: Nigeria sit third with 14 points while Benin top the group with 17 ... More
Ghana vs Comoros prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (Africa) Group I encounter between Ghana and Comoros will take place on Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 22:00. This fixture assumes significance for both sides as the group reaches its decisive phase: Ghana currently occupy first place in Group I with 19 points, while Comoros sit third with 15 ... More
Egypt vs Guinea Bissau prediction
The World Cup Qualifiers for Africa continue with a Group A fixture that pits leaders Egypt against fourth-placed Guinea-Bissau. The match is scheduled for Sunday, 12.10.2025, kick-off at 22:00. Egypt sit comfortably at the summit of Group A on 20 points, having recorded an impeccable league campaign thus far with six wins, two draws and ... More
Romania vs Austria prediction
The European Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup deliver another important fixture on Sunday, 12 October 2025, when Romania host Austria at the Arena Națională. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:45 and the match is part of Group H in the WC-Quali. Europe. Romania arrive in third place on the group table with 7 points from ... More
Denmark vs Greece prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifying Group C fixture between Denmark and Greece will take place on Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 9:45 PM GMT +3 local time at Parken Stadium. This encounter pits the early group leaders Denmark, who occupy first place with 4 points, against a compact Greece side sitting third on ... More
Croatia vs Gibraltar Prediction
The World Cup Qualifying (Europe) Group L fixture between Croatia and Gibraltar will take place on Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 9:45 GMT +3. The match is scheduled for the Anđelko Herjavec – Varteksa stadium and pairs Group L leaders Croatia against the bottom-ranked Gibraltar. Croatia arrive at this fixture with maximum points and an ... More
Netherlands vs Finland prediction
The Netherlands will host Finland in a crucial World Cup Qualifying match for Europe on Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 7:00 PM GMT +3. The meeting takes place at the Johan Cruijff ArenA and forms part of Group G action. The Dutch team currently leads the group with 10 points from four matches, having recorded ... More
Spain vs Georgia WC prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in Europe resumes with an intriguing Group E encounter as Spain host Georgia on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 21:45 GMT+3. The match will be played at the Martínez Valero stadium and is scheduled for Matchday 7 of Group E. Spain head into the fixture as clear leaders of ... More
Serbia vs Albania prediction
The World Cup Qualifying fixture in Europe between Serbia and Albania will be contested on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 9:45 GMT+3 at the Marakana. This Group K encounter has important implications for both sides as they bid to consolidate positions in the standings. Serbia arrive on 7 points and occupy third place with a ... More
Portugal vs Ireland prediction
The European qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup continues with a compelling Group F fixture as Portugal host Ireland at the Estádio José Alvalade on Saturday, 11 October 2025, kick-off 21:45 GMT +3. Portugal arrive undefeated at the top of the group with six points from two matches, while Ireland sit fourth with one ... More
Estonia vs Italy prediction
The World Cup Qualifying (Europe) fixture between Estonia and Italy will take place on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 21:45 local time (GMT+3) at the A. Le Coq Arena. This Group I encounter has clear implications for both sides: Italy will seek to consolidate its position near the summit of the pool while Estonia must ... 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Monchengladbach vs Bayern Munich prediction | Sat, 25.10.2025 | HC -1 Bayern Munich Win |
| Chelsea vs Sunderland prediction | Sat, 25.10.2025 | HT/FT – Chelsea/Chelsea |
| Brest vs Paris Saint-Germain prediction | Sat, 25.10.2025 | Over 3,5 Goals |
| Napoli vs Inter Milan prediction | Sat, 25.10.2025 | Inter Milan Win |
| Manchester United vs Brighton prediction | Sat, 25.10.2025 | Over 2,5 Goals |
| Borussia Dortmund vs FC Koln prediction | Sat, 25.10.2025 | Both Teams to Score |
| Brentford vs Liverpool prediction | Sat, 25.10.2025 | Over 2,5 Goals |
| Arsenal vs Crystal Palace prediction | Sun, 26.10.2025 | Correct Score 2-0 |
| Aston Villa vs Man City prediction | Sun, 26.10.2025 | Man City Win (DNB) |
| Real Madrid vs Barcelona prediction | Sun, 26.10.2025 | BTTS? YES |
| Lazio vs Juventus prediction | Sun, 26.10.2025 | DC Juventus/Draw |
| Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid prediction | Mon, 27.10.2025 | Atletico Madrid 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.