Cape Verde Latest to Qualify as 2026 World Cup Field Reaches 24 Teams

Africa’s race is set to conclude today with three direct places still open.

Overview

Twenty-four nations are confirmed for the expanded 48-team tournament, with debutants Jordan, Uzbekistan and Cape Verde among the qualifiers.
Six African teams—Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde—have secured spots, and CAF will determine the remaining three direct berths later today.
Europe has no qualifiers yet, with group stages due to finish in November and UEFA play-offs scheduled for March 2026.
The final two World Cup places will be decided in a six-team intercontinental play-off featuring entrants from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, OFC and two from CONCACAF.
The draw is set for 5 December at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the tournament runs from 11 June at Mexico City’s Azteca to the 19 July final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.