Three African Nations Secure 2026 FIFA World Cup Spots as Qualification Race Heats Up

Africa’s representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to take shape, with three nations — Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco — officially booking their places at next year’s global showpiece.

Their qualification follows the latest round of matches across the continent, as the race to North America edges closer to its conclusion. The trio now joins sixteen other confirmed teams, bringing the total number of qualified nations to nineteen, including co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Egypt became the latest side to seal their ticket, continuing their strong run under coach Hossam Hassan. The Pharaohs have been clinical throughout the qualifiers, combining experience and flair to reclaim their place on football’s biggest stage. They join Tunisia and Morocco, who had already punched their tickets earlier after dominant campaigns in their respective groups.

Meanwhile, Ghana are on the verge of qualification but must avoid a major upset in their final fixture. Their spot will only come under threat if they lose to Comoros, and Madagascar not only defeat Mali but also overturn an unlikely eight-goal deficit in goal difference — a scenario many consider practically impossible.

Africa has nine direct qualification slots for the 2026 tournament, plus one intercontinental playoff place, which means several exciting battles still lie ahead before the full list of representatives is confirmed.

Elsewhere, the qualification picture is also taking shape across other continents. Asia already has six confirmed teams — Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, and Japan — while South America will once again be represented by its traditional powerhouses: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay.

In North and Central America, the co-hosts — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — automatically qualify, while New Zealand will fly Oceania’s flag at the expanded 48-team tournament.

Interestingly, no European nation has yet secured qualification, as the UEFA qualifiers are still in progress and expected to conclude later this year.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time, the remaining qualifiers promise high drama as nations across the globe fight for their ticket to football’s biggest stage.