33 Teams Secure Spots in 2026 FIFA World Cup as Nigeria and DR Congo Eye Playoff Final

Thirty-three nations from six continents have officially secured qualification for the 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the latest figures following Thursday’s matches.

Africa already has nine teams through, with two more nations—Nigeria and DR Congo—currently battling in the continental playoffs for a chance to reach the intercontinental round.

Teams qualified as of Thursday:
Host nations: Canada, Mexico, United States
Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Europe: England, France
Oceania: New Zealand
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face DR Congo’s Leopards in the final of the African playoff on Sunday in Morocco. This matchup was set after Thursday’s semi-final matches, where DR Congo defeated Cameroon 1-0 at Stade El Barid, while Nigeria overcame Gabon 4-1 after extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, both in Rabat.

The winner of the Africa playoff final will advance to a six-team intercontinental qualifier scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, which will determine the final two nations to join the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.