ZURICH, 9 October 2025— The race to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching fever pitch as qualification enters its decisive stages across continents, with Algeria becoming the latest team to clinch a berth after a commanding 3–0 victory over Somalia on Thursday.
The win makes Algeria the 19th nation to qualify for next summer’s expanded 48-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. While South America and Oceania have completed their qualification campaigns, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Concacaf are still deep in the fight for the remaining slots.
Africa’s Group C Turns Chaotic After Overturned Result
One of the most dramatic storylines is unfolding in Africa’s Group C, where a recent ruling over an ineligible player has upended the standings.
South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in March was nullified and recorded as a forfeit after the “Bafana Bafana” fielded the suspended Teboho Mokoena. The decision reshaped the group, leaving five teams still mathematically alive. South Africa, which had led the group, now trails Benin on goal difference, while Nigeria, Rwanda, and even Lesotho remain in contention with two games left.
South Africa has vowed to appeal the ruling, but for now, the road to North America looks increasingly complicated.
Regional Races Tighten Across the Globe
In Africa, several traditional powerhouses are on the brink of qualification:
- Egypt leads Group A by five points and can seal its place with one more win or two draws.
- Ghana needs just a single point against Comoros to return to the World Cup.
- Ivory Coast could qualify if it defeats Seychelles and Gabon slips up.
- Senegal can book its ticket with a win over South Sudan combined with a DR Congo draw.
- Cameroon and Cape Verde are locked in a close race after controversial refereeing decisions and shock draws.
In Asia, Saudi Arabia is within touching distance after a 3–2 win over Indonesia. A victory over Iraq on Tuesday would send the Saudis to their seventh World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile, Europe’s qualifying campaign remains tight, with giants like England nearing confirmation while surprise leaders such as Norway, Slovakia, and North Macedonia continue to defy expectations.
Who Has Qualified So Far
So far, 19 nations have punched their tickets to the 2026 World Cup:
- Hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States
- Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan
- Africa: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia
- Oceania: New Zealand
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
No teams from Europe or Concacaf have qualified yet, though several could secure their spots in the coming weeks.
Expanded Format Brings Global Opportunities
The 2026 World Cup marks a major expansion from 32 to 48 teams, offering more chances for emerging football nations to make their debut on the world stage.
Africa will send nine teams, Asia eight, South America six, Europe 16, and Oceania one, with two more places decided through intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
As the qualification drama continues, football fans around the world are bracing for more twists — and the possibility of seeing new nations make history on the road to North America.
