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
Brazil vs Paraguay prediction
As we approach the critical 16th matchday of the South American World Cup Qualifiers, the stage is set for a compelling encounter between Brazil and Paraguay. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 03:45, this match holds significant implications for both squads in their quest for qualification to the prestigious tournament. Brazil, currently placed fourth ... More
Argentina vs Colombia prediction
As the South American World Cup qualifying campaign progresses into its defining stages, the upcoming clash between Argentina and Colombia promises to be a momentous encounter. Set to take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 03:00 AM GMT+3, this match carries significant implications for both teams as they vie for crucial points. Argentina currently ... More
Panama vs Nicaragua prediction
As the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers heat up, the upcoming clash between Panama and Nicaragua transcends the boundaries of mere competitive spirit, reflecting the intense ambitions and aspirations of both teams as they vie for a place in the world’s most prestigious football tournament. Scheduled for June 11, 2025, at 03:00 AM GMT+3, this Group ... More
Uruguay vs Venezuela prediction
On June 11, 2025, at 02:00 AM GMT+3, Uruguay will host Venezuela in a World Cup Qualifying match as part of the South American campaign in the 16th matchday. This intriguing clash takes place against the backdrop of both teams’ aspirations for qualification to the World Cup. Uruguay, currently sitting in fifth place, aims to ... More
Jamaica vs Guatemala prediction
As the World Cup Qualifiers in the CONCACAF region intensify, the upcoming match between Jamaica and Guatemala will certainly draw significant attention. Scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 PM GMT +3, this contest will not only feature two teams vying for supremacy in Group E but will also showcase the capabilities of both ... More
Serbia vs Andorra prediction
The upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifying match between Serbia and Andorra, set for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 9:45 PM GMT +3 in the Gradski stadion Dubočica, promises to be a significant encounter in Group K of the European qualification round. With Serbia aiming to revive its chances of securing qualification after struggling in its ... More
San Marino vs Austria prediction
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the San Marino Stadium will host an intriguing encounter in the World Cup Qualifiers, as San Marino takes on Austria in Group H. The match is expected to kick off at 9:45 PM GMT +3 local time, under the officiating of Ondřej Berka. Given the current standings and performances of ... More
Romania vs Cyprus prediction
On Tuesday, 10th June 2025, Romania will host Cyprus at the illustrious Arena Națională in Bucharest, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for Europe. Both teams currently find themselves in Group H, battling for vital points. Romania occupies the second position in the group with three points from three ... More
Netherlands vs Malta prediction
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Euroborg will host an intriguing World Cup qualifying match in Group G as the Netherlands welcomes Malta. Both teams find themselves at opposing ends of the spectrum, with the Netherlands currently holding third place in the group with three points, while Malta languishes in fifth place with just one ... More
Finland vs Poland prediction
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Finland will host Poland at the Olympiastadion in Helsinki, in what promises to be a crucial fixture in Group G of the European World Cup Qualifiers. With both teams aiming for a significant position in the standings, every point counts. Finland, currently sitting in second place with 4 points, faces ... More
Italy vs Moldova prediction
As the 2025 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers progress, an intriguing encounter awaits at the Mapei Stadium on June 9, 2025, where Italy will host Moldova in a pivotal Group I match. With both teams focusing their efforts on securing a spot in the tournament, the stakes are undeniably high. Italy, despite its recent inconsistency, will ... More
Croatia vs Czech Republic prediction
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification campaign intensifies, the upcoming match between Croatia and the Czech Republic promises to be a thrilling encounter. Scheduled for Monday, 9th June 2025, at 9:45, the match will take place at the Opus Arena, where both teams are eager to secure crucial points in Group L. Croatia, despite ... More
Belgium vs Wales prediction
As the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Europe approach their critical juncture, the highly anticipated clash between Belgium and Wales is set to take place on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the prestigious Roi Baudouin stadium. With both teams aiming to secure essential points in Group J, this match holds significant implications for their ... More
Bahamas vs Costa Rica prediction
As the FIFA World Cup Qualification for the CONCACAF region progresses, Group B presents an intriguing encounter between the Bahamas and Costa Rica on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 02:00 AM GMT+3. With both teams at opposite ends of the table, this match pits an underdog against a seasoned contender. The Bahamas currently find themselves ... More
Finland vs Netherlands prediction
As the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers continue to shape the future of European football, the upcoming match between Finland and the Netherlands on Saturday, June 7, 2025, promises to be a contest of significant importance for both teams. Taking place at the illustrious Olympiastadion, this Group G clash features the Finnish side, who currently sit ... More
Austria vs Romania prediction
The upcoming World Cup qualifying match between Austria and Romania promises to be an engaging encounter as both teams seek valuable points in their quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is scheduled for Saturday, 07 June 2025, at 9:45 PM GMT +3 at Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, Austria. With Austria ... More
Albania vs Serbia prediction
As the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers progress, the highly anticipated clash between Albania and Serbia will take place at the Air Albania Stadium on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 9:45 GMT +3. This encounter is set to be a critical match in Group K, where both teams aspire to secure a stronger footing in their ... More
Andorra vs England prediction
As the FIFA World Cup qualifiers draw nearer, a compelling contest is set to unfold on Saturday, 7th June 2025, at the RCDE Stadium, where Andorra will host England in a Group K fixture. With the stakes high, the match promises to showcase a stark contrast in team capabilities, as reiterated by their recent performances. ... More
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs San Marino prediction
The upcoming match in the World Cup Qualifiers (Europe) between Bosnia and San Marino on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 4:00 GMT +3, presents an intriguing opportunity for fans and punters alike. The match will be held at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, Bosnia, where the home side will be looking to bolster their ... More
Guatemala vs Dominican Republic prediction
The highly anticipated World Cup Qualifying match in the CONCACAF region is set to take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 05:00 AM GMT+3. This clash features Guatemala, currently perched at the top of Group E with an impressive start, facing off against the Dominican Republic, who sit in third place. The match promises ... 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium vs Wales prediction | Mon, 09.06.2025 | Correct Score 2-0 |
| Croatia vs Czech Republic prediction | Mon, 09.06.2025 | BTTS – NO |
| Italy vs Moldova prediction | Mon, 09.06.2025 | Handicap -2 Italy Win |
| Finland vs Poland prediction | Tue, 10.06.2025 | Poland Win – Tip 2 |
| Netherlands vs Malta prediction | Tue, 10.06.2025 | Over 3,5 Goals |
| Romania vs Cyprus prediction | Tue, 10.06.2025 | Romania Win (DNB) |
| San Marino vs Austria prediction | Tue, 10.06.2025 | HC +2 Austria Win |
| Serbia vs Andorra prediction | Tue, 10.06.2025 | HT/FT – Serbia/Serbia |
| Jamiaca vs Guatemala prediction | Wed, 11.06.2025 | Jamaica Win – Tip 1 |
| Uruguay vs Venezuela prediction | Wed, 11.06.2025 | Uruguay Win – Tip 1 |
| Panama vs Nicaragua prediction | Wed, 11.06.2025 | BTTS – YES |
| Argentina vs Colombia prediction | Wed, 11.06.2025 | Under 3,5 Goals |
| Brazil vs Paraguay prediction | Wed, 11.06.2025 | Brazil Win – Tip 1 |
| Real Oviedo vs Almeria prediction | Wed, 11.06.2025 | DC Real Oviedo/Draw |
| Mirandes vs Racing Santander prediction | Thu, 12.06.2025 | Correct Score 2-1 |
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.