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Morocco and Tunisia are the only African nations to have secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup so far, with a few teams from South America and Asia also clinching their places.

Harambee Stars’ dreams of reaching the 2026 World Cup were dashed last week by Gambia, ending their hopes. Neighbours Tanzania will also miss out on representing the continent at the tournament.

Nine African teams are assured of a place in next year’s World Cup, with a tenth potentially earning qualification through the playoffs.

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In 2017, the tournament was expanded from 32 to 48 teams, resulting in an increase in the number of matches from 80 to 104. The 48 teams will be placed in 12 groups.

With the introduction of the round of 32, teams will now need to play eight matches to win the World Cup, compared to seven in 2022. The final will take place on July 19, 2026.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Europe is guaranteed 16 spots, Africa has nine, and Asia will secure eight. North and South America will each have at least six teams, while Oceania will have one.

The final two spots will be determined by a playoff in March, with two teams from CONCACAF (North, Central America, and the Caribbean) and one team each from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC competing for the remaining places.

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Morocco and Tunisia are the only African teams to have qualified, with the remaining seven automatic spots to be decided next month. No European teams have qualified yet.

Japan, Australia, Uzbekistan, Iran, Jordan, and South Korea have qualified from Asia so far, with Uzbekistan set to make their World Cup debut.

Reigning champions Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay have qualified from South America.

Other teams that have qualified include New Zealand and hosts nations Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place on December 5 in Washington.

President Trump will join FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the John F Kennedy Centre for the event. Here’s how the World Cup schedule looks.

Group stage: June 11-27

Round of 32: June 28 to July 3

Round of 16: July 4-7

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Quarter-finals: July 9-11

Semi-finals: July 14-15

Third-place play-off: July 18

Final: July 19

Argentina, Brazil, Spain, France, and England are considered favourites.

In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that the 2026 World Cup final will have a half-time show like the NFL Super Bowl.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently revealed the news, which sparked angry reactions.

Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, will help curate a lineup of artists to perform during the 15-minute break at next year’s final.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke