World Cup 2026 Journey: The Challenging Path of the Last Qualifiers

Basio badr

ago 3 hours

The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is proving to be a considerable challenge for many teams. As qualification rounds unfold, the pathway for securing a spot in the tournament is fraught with difficulties, particularly for teams in the African confederation.

World Cup 2026 Journey: The Challenging Path of the Last Qualifiers

Qualification Process Overview

The UEFA region offers twelve direct tickets for group winners, alongside four additional spots available through playoffs involving sixteen teams that do not finish first in their groups. In stark contrast, the African Football Confederation faces a more strenuous qualification journey.

African Qualification Details

Fifty-four teams in Africa commenced their World Cup qualifying campaigns on November 15, 2023. Comprised of nine groups with six teams each, only the group winners will secure their place at the World Cup, amounting to just nine spots allocated from Africa.

Start Date: November 15, 2023
Number of Groups: 9
Number of Teams: 54
Spots Available for World Cup: 9

The qualification matches have showcased a high level of competition, leading to several storied nations facing unexpected exits, including Mali. Additionally, only the four best second-place teams will have a chance to continue, competing in a semi-final and final format.

Potential Contenders in the Finals

As the group phase reaches its conclusion, teams such as Gabon, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo emerge as potential candidates for playoff spots. However, only one of these teams will progress towards the World Cup.

FIFA Playoff Tournament

The concluding team from Africa will participate in the FIFA playoff tournament scheduled for March 2026. This tournament will include:

Bolivia: Qualified as the 7th place team in the CONMEBOL group.
New Caledonia: From the Oceania region.
One team from Asia.
Two teams from CONCACAF.
One remaining African team.

CONCACAF and AFC Qualification Insights

The CONCACAF region has six spots for the World Cup, three of which are already secured by co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The final three spots will be competed for in ongoing matches during the international break.

In the Asian Football Confederation, six direct tickets have already been allocated, with two additional places available. The qualification structure pits the second-placed teams against each other before entering the playoff tournament, providing a final shot at World Cup entry.

Conclusion

The route to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is indeed a rigorous battle for many teams, particularly within the African and Asian regions. With intense competition and limited spots, the stakes are high as teams strive for their chance to compete on the world stage.