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
![Zambia vs Tanzania betting prediction](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/01/zambia-vs-tanzania.png)
Zambia vs Tanzania prediction
Avram Grant is hopeful of making history by helping the Chipolopolo boys secure their first-ever World Cup qualifiers. The Zambian national team made a positive start by defeating Congo 4-2 in Ndola at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. After a 2-1 loss in Morocco, they now target a win against Tanzania. Former Chelsea manager Grant is contemplating ... More
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South Africa vs Zimbabwe prediction
South Africa, currently sitting at midtable in Group D of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, is considered a favorite to advance from the group. With 4 points from 3 games – including 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss – they have been steadily building momentum. Their recent 1-1 draw against Nigeria extended their unbeaten ... More
![Kenya vs Ivory Coast betting tips](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/06/kenya-vs-ivory-coast.png)
Kenya vs Ivory Coast prediction
Kenya lost the opportunity to challenge the leadership of Group F after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burundi at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe where they are playing their home matches. The Harambee Stars were on course to take all three points after taking the lead in the 72nd minute of the game. However, a ... More
![Ghana vs Central Africa betting predictions](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/09/ghana-vs-central-african-republic-1.png)
Ghana vs Central Africa prediction
Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, has been experiencing a string of disappointing results, failing to secure consecutive wins in their last 6 games, with 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses. The team has also struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in these 6 recent matches. Currently positioned 3rd with 6 ... More
![Benin vs Nigeria betting predictions](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/06/benin-vs-nigeria.png)
Benin vs Nigeria prediction
The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the African Continent continues this week as Benin will be taking on Nigeria in the 4th qualification round of Group C at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan. The Cheetahs were off to a poor start in their qualification campaign after failing to record a win ... More
![Guinea Bissau vs Egypt betting tips](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2022/01/Guinea-Bissau-vs-Egypt.png)
Guinea-Bissau vs Egypt prediction
Guinea-Bissau, known for their resilient and spirited performances, aimed to capitalize on their home advantage. However, this is going to be tough one as they are up against one of the Africa fearless squad. It will be very critical for them to collect at least a point to keep their mission to the World Cup ... More
![Mauritania vs Senegal betting prediction](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/06/mauritania-vs-senegal.png)
Mauritania vs Senegal prediction
The Mauritania national football team is preparing to face Senegal in a highly anticipated match on Sunday 9th June, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Under the leadership of coach Abdou Amir, Mauritania has been striving to enhance its performance and make an impact on the international football stage and its going to face Senegal which is ... More
![Nigeria vs South Africa betting prediction](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/02/nigeria-vs-south-africa.png)
Nigeria vs South Africa prediction
Nigeria and South Africa will continue their quest to book their place in the 2026 World Cup when they clash in Uyo, South-South Nigeria on Friday. The hosts did not get off to the best of start and they are currently placed third on the log. However, they are still. the favourites to emerge from ... More
![Kenya vs Burundi betting tips](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2024/06/kenya-vs-burundi.png)
Kenya vs Burundi prediction
Kenya will look to impose their will when they welcome neighbours Burundi on matchday 3 of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers to be played in Malawi’s Bingu National Stadium. The Harambee Starrs kicked off this campaign on the wrong footing as they lost 2-1 away to Gabon. They nevertheless showed flashes of brilliance in that ... More
![Senegal vs DR Congo betting tips](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/01/senegal-vs-dr-congo.png)
Senegal vs DR Congo prediction
Senegalese will host the DR Congo in a crucial World Cup Qualifier at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio. Senegal is leading the group B with clean sheets giving them a reason to be confident to command another victory in this group. They managed to collect a sweet win out DR Congo in their ... More
![Mali vs Ghana betting prediction](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2020/10/Mali-vs-Ghana.png)
Mali vs Ghana prediction
Mali’s World Cup journey started well with two wins in their opening group games. The arrival of head coach Eric Chelle has led to victories against teams like Nigeria, South Africa, and Guinea. Their home form has been particularly strong, with just one loss in their last five home games. Mali has won their last ... More
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Brazil vs Argentina prediction
Eternal rivals, Brazil and Argentina will renew hostilities when they face off in their latest meeting. The Brazilians will ask a lot of questions of the Argentines in a match that promises to be exciting. Brazil are third with seven (7) points in the South American qualifying zone, five points adrift of their opponents Argentina ... More
![Tanzania vs Morocco betting predictions](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/11/tanzania-vs-morocco.png)
Tanzania vs Morocco prediction
Tanzania is in for CAF World Cup Qualifiers for the 3rd time in history since 2019. They did a wonderful and tough job holding Algeria to a goalless tie to book their place for the group stage however, they will still need to survive even tougher opponents including Morocco to get a clear road to ... More
![Comoros vs Ghana tip preview](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/11/comoros-vs-ghana.png)
Comoros vs Ghana prediction
Comoros, a small island nation, may not be a household name when it comes to football. However, they have shown signs of improvement in recent years. In terms of their current form, Comoros has been struggling. They have lost 3 of their last 5 matches, which is definitely a concern. Their lackluster performance has raised ... More
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Senegal vs South Sudan prediction
Senegal is going head to head with South Sudan on 18 Nov 2023. The match is a part of the FIFA World Cup for Group B in Africa. This upcoming FIFA World Cup match will feature Senegal playing against South Sudan. Senegal will have the home advantage in this game. Fans can expect an exciting ... More
![Ghana vs Lesotho betting prediction](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/11/ghana-vs-madagascar.png)
Ghana vs Madagascar prediction
With the international break for November upon us, national teams around the world will resume their duties this week. In Africa, the quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup will begin with Ghana hosting Madagascar in Group I. After losing their last two friendlies, it is crucial for the Black Stars to win ... More
![Argentina vs Uruguay betting prediction](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/11/argentina-vs-uruguay-1.png)
Argentina vs Uruguay prediction
World Champions Argentina will look to maintain their 100% start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they welcome Uruguay in this 5th round of games. La Albiceleste have won all four of their fixtures so far while keeping clean sheets in all of them and scoring 7 goals in the process. A first-half brace ... More
![Nigeria vs Lesotho betting predictions](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/11/nigeria-vs-lesotho.png)
Nigeria vs Lesotho prediction
Nigeria is set to rejig its recognition on global stage as the Super Eagles of Nigeria take-on the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo for their first match in Group C. After missing out on the 2022 FIFA World cup in Qatar, failing to qualify for the seventh time following a ... More
![Peru vs Argentina betting prediction](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/10/peru-vs-argentina.png)
Peru vs Argentina prediction
CONMEBOL Qualifiers once again are loaded with another interesting fixture to watch that awaits on 18th this very month. On this Wednesday the South Americans and the rest of the world will witness a alive match between Peru and the visitors Argentina. With a group of 10 countries, Peru will rock horns with Argentina for ... More
![Peru vs Brazil betting predictions](https://www.betting-tips.africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2023/09/peru-vs-brazil.png)
Peru vs Brazil prediction
The race for a slot at the 2026 World Cup gets underway as teams in the Comnebol zone jostle for tickets to the show piece. In one of the fixtures to anticipate, 5 time world champions Brazil take on Peru. Having last won the tournament over 2 decades ago, Brazil are looking to begin another ... 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
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
![World Cup qualifiers predictions](/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2021/03/World-Cup-Qualifiers-predictions-teaser.png)
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.