Get ready football fans, because the race for the 2026 World Cup has began! The World’s most prestigious tournament will be bigger and better than ever, with a whopping 48 participants vying for the glory on the grandest stage of them all. From Africa to Europe, teams from across the globe will battle it out in thrilling qualification rounds, showcasing their skill and determination to secure a coveted spot in this historic event.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the three North American Countries (Mexico, United States and Canada) from 11 June to 19 July 2026. This will be the 23rd edition of the men’s football tournament that draws qualified national teams of FIFA member countries from across the world. The tournament is held every 4 years and is hosted by a country selected by FIFA. With an expanded format that includes 48 participants, the competition is set to reach new heights. So fasten your seatbelts and join us as we dive into the exciting world Cup qualifiers for 2026 which will commence in September 2023 and end in March 2026. An overview for all Leagues can be found on our Football predictions page
World Cup Qualifiers predictions
Colombia vs Paraguay prediction
As the eagerly anticipated matchday 14 of the WC Qualifiers unfolds, Colombia is set to face Paraguay on March 26, 2025, at 03:00. Both teams are battling for precious points as they aspire to secure a place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This contest promises to be pivotal, particularly for Colombia, who will aim ... More
Chile vs Ecuador prediction
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 03:00 GMT +3, Chile will host Ecuador in a crucial encounter in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. This match, taking place on Matchday 14, is particularly significant for both sides as they continue their campaigns to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup. Chile, currently languishing in ... More
Argentina vs Brazil prediction
As two of the most storied and successful teams in international football, Argentina and Brazil’s rivalry is a highlight of the South American World Cup Qualifiers. On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 03:00 AM GMT +3, these giants of the game will face each other once again in a critical qualifying match for the 2026 ... More
Morocco vs Tanzania prediction
As the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup unfold, a crucial encounter in Group E brings together Morocco and Tanzania on the 26th of March 2025. Set to take place at 00:30 AM GMT +3, the match promises to deliver high-stakes excitement, particularly for the Moroccan side that currently leads the group. With Morocco amassing ... More
Senegal vs Togo prediction
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa Qualifiers continue to unfold, the highly anticipated clash between Senegal and Togo is set to take place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at midnight. This match forms part of Group B of the qualifiers and promises to be pivotal for both nations. Senegal currently stands in third place ... More
Bolivia vs Uruguay prediction
As the excitement of the World Cup Qualifiers continues, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming clash between Bolivia and Uruguay on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:00 PM GMT+3. This match is part of the 14th matchday of the South American qualifiers. Bolivia currently sits in 7th place, having accumulated 13 points from a total of ... More
North Macedonia vs Wales prediction
As the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign continues to unfold, a pivotal matchup in Group J is set to take place on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, at 10:45 PM GMT+3. The contest will feature Macedonia hosting Wales, both teams eager to secure their second victory in the qualifying rounds following their initial successes. Macedonia enters ... More
Israel vs Norway prediction
The upcoming World Cup qualifier between Israel and Norway, taking place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 10:45 GMT+3, promises to be an intriguing clash in Group I of the qualification rounds. Both teams currently sit at the top of their group, having secured three points from their opening matches, yet they arrive from contrasting ... More
Egypt vs Sierra Leone prediction
As the World Cup Qualifiers continue, a pivotal match is set to unfold on Tuesday, 25th March 2025, as Egypt takes on Sierra Leone in Group A of the African qualification campaign. Kicking off at 10:00 PM GMT+3, this encounter not only serves as a crucial opportunity for Egypt to bolster its position at the ... More
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe prediction
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the African World Cup qualifiers will witness an intriguing clash between Nigeria and Zimbabwe at 7:00 PM GMT+3. Both teams competing in Group C are in desperate need of points as the qualification race heats up. While Nigeria finds itself sitting in a relatively more comfortable position, Zimbabwe struggles significantly ... More
England vs Latvia prediction
As the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers continue to heat up, England is set to face Latvia in a Group K clash on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:45 CET. This match presents a significant opportunity for the English side to secure their position at the top of the group, following a commanding victory over Ireland ... More
Madagascar vs Ghana prediction
As the African qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up, one of the most anticipated matches in Group I will see Madagascar host Ghana at the Stade Barea in Antananarivo on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 22:00. Madagascar currently sits third in the group with 7 points from 4 matches, while Ghana ... More
Cote d’Ivoire vs Gambia prediction
As the 2025 FIFA World Cup African qualifying campaign heats up, the match between Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia on March 24, 2025, promises to be a crucial encounter in Group F. Both teams are aiming for a spot in the prestigious tournament, albeit with contrasting fortunes in their qualification campaigns thus far. Cote d’Ivoire is ... More
Kenya vs Gabon prediction
As the qualification process for the FIFA World Cup in Africa intensifies, Group F is heating up, with a crucial encounter set to take place between Kenya and Gabon on Sunday, 23rd March 2025, at 4:00 PM GMT+3. Both teams have had varying fortunes in their campaign thus far, with Kenya positioned fourth in the ... More
Sudan vs Senegal prediction
As the African continent gears up for the World Cup qualification matches, an intriguing fixture is set to take place on March 22, 2025. This match will see Sudan host Senegal in what promises to be a compelling encounter in Group B of the qualifiers. Both teams are vying for a crucial victory, with Sudan ... More
Uruguay vs Argentina prediction
As the South American WC Qualifying campaign intensifies, one of the most highly anticipated matches is set to take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Uruguay will host Argentina at Estadio Centenario, with both teams vying for crucial points in their quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The clash will not ... More
England vs Albania prediction
As the World Cup Qualifiers draw near, England prepares to host Albania in what promises to be a compelling encounter at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025. This match is pivotal for both national teams as they navigate the complexities of Group K. England will arrive with an air of dominance following an emphatic victory, ... More
Ghana vs Chad prediction
As the FIFA World Cup qualification campaign in Africa intensifies, a crucial fixture awaits on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10:00 PM GMT+3. Currently positioned second in Group I, Ghana will host Chad, who languishes at the bottom of the table with no points to their name. This match allows Ghana to consolidate its standing ... More
Rwanda vs Nigeria prediction
On the evening of Friday, March 21, 2025, the much-anticipated encounter between Rwanda and Nigeria will take place at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali, as part of the ongoing WC-Qualifiers in Africa. The match is significant not only for the standings in Group C but also for the teams’ aspirations to secure a spot in ... More
Brazil vs Colombia prediction
As the excitement builds for the World Cup qualifiers in South America, a significant match is set to unfold on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 03:45. Brazil will host Colombia in what promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with intensity and passion. With both teams embroiled in a tightly contested qualification process, this match ... More
Qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026
Qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup is based on the 6 continental football federations under FIFA: CONCACAF, AFC, CAF, OFC, CONMEBOL and EUFA. Each continental federation is given an agreed number of slots out of the total number of 48. Member nations compete for these slots for the right to participate in the main event. The host nations qualifies automatically. The continental regions are:
- Africa – 9 teams
- Europe – 16 teams
- Asia – 8
- North, Central America, and the Caribbean – 6 teams
- South America – 6 teams
- Oceania – 1 team
- Play-off Tournament: 2 teams
In order to secure a spot in the tournament, national teams will have to navigate their way through various qualifying stages specific to their respective confederations. Each confederation has its own unique format and criteria for determining which teams will earn their place on the world stage. This is commonly done through group matches, league format, or knockout matches.
The numbers above accounts for only 46 of the 48 required teams. With the remaining 2 teams to be seeded by a 6-team play-offs in the FIFA playoff Tournament – teams to be selected based on FIFA’s proposal:
- 1 team from each confederation except UEFA
- 1 team from host’s confederation (CONCACAF)
- Out of this 6 teams, 2 teams will be seeded based on FIFA ranking
Latest betting predictions
| Match | Date | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Madagascar vs Ghana prediction | Mon, 24.03.2025 | DC Ghana/Draw |
| Cote d’Ivoire vs Gambia prediction | Mon, 24.03.2025 | Cote d’Ivoire Win – Tip 1 |
| England vs Latvia prediction | Mon, 24.03.2025 | Handicap -2 England Win |
| Nigeria vs Zimbabwe prediction | Tue, 25.03.2025 | Nigeria Win – Tip 1 |
| Egypt vs Sierra Leone prediction | Tue, 25.03.2025 | Under 3,5 Goals |
| Israel vs Norway prediction | Tue, 25.03.2025 | Correct Score 0-2 |
| North Macedonia vs Wales prediction | Tue, 25.03.2025 | Over 2,5 Goals |
| Bolivia vs Uruguay prediction | Tue, 25.03.2025 | Double Chance – Uruguay/Draw |
| Senegal vs Togo prediction | Wed, 26.03.2025 | Senegal Win – Tip 1 |
| Morocco vs Tanzania prediction | Wed, 26.03.2025 | Handicap -1 Morocco Win |
| Argentina vs Brazil prediction | Wed, 26.03.2025 | Argentina Win (DNB) |
| Chile vs Ecuador prediction | Wed, 26.03.2025 | Chile Win – Tip 1 |
| Colombia vs Paraguay prediction | Wed, 26.03.2025 | Colombia Win – Tip 1 |
| Barcelona vs Osasuna prediction | Thu, 27.03.2025 | HT/FT – Barcelona/Barcelona |
| Leverkusen vs Bochum prediction | Mon, 28.03.2025 | Over 3,5 Goals |
Africa qualification format
Africa is allocated 9 slots out of the final 48 teams to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. There are a total of 54 national teams that are members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competing for the nine places available. All the 54 member associations of CAF entered qualification. The seeding was done based on FIFA rankings.
The qualification format used by CAF for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is divided into three stages:
First Stage (Group Stage)
In the first stage, all 54 national teams are divided into 9 groups of 6 member teams each, based on the FIFA ranking. Each group plays against each other in a home-and-away format, with the group winners securing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The first stage will start from 13th November 2023 up until 25th March 2025.
Second Stage (4 Best Runners-up Play-Offs)
In stage two, the four best second-placed teams from the group stage will enter into a play-off stage to decide the one team that will be representing CAF in the FIFA play-off tournament. The play-off winner will proceed to compete with other 5 members who will be representing other confederations. The knockout games will be held from 1st September, 2025 to 14th October. 2025.
Third Stage (FIFA play-Offs)
Stage three is where it gets really intense as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws nearer. The winner form stage two goes to represents CAF in the FIFA play-off tournament to compete for the remaining 2 out of the 48 participating slots in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The third round matches will be played on 10th-18th November 2025.
Europe qualification format
Europe takes the lion’s share of the expanded 48 world cup slots available to FIFA members. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) will produce 16 teams for the tournament. All 55 member nations of UEFA will enter qualification to compete for the available slots. On 25 January, 2023, the UEFA Executive Committee presented the revised qualification format due to the expanded qualifying slots from13 to 16. The updated qualification path also follows UEFA’s usual format of Group Stage and Playoff Stage. The results of the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League will be factored into the qualification process.
Group Stage
There will be 12 groups comprising 4 or 5 teams each. The top 4 teams from the UEFA Nations League finals will be placed in smaller groups. The 12 group winners will earn an automatic qualifying spot for the World Cup. The 12 group runners-up proceed to the playoff stage.
Playoff Stage
The playoff stage is contested by a total of 16 teams. These include the 12 runners-up from the group stage plus 4 highest ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who fail to finish in the top 2 of the world cup qualifying group stage. The 16 teams at this stage are divided into 4 groups. In each group, the 4 teams are paired and they play each other in a one-legged knockout format of semi-finals and finals. The 4 winners from each group qualify for the world cup. They join the winners from the group stage to make it 16 European teams at the world cup.
Our World Cup qualifiers predictions
Africa
After a successful CAF Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26 which took place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, the group stage matches is poised to bring together some interesting matchups. Only 1 team can proceed from each group so some big names are likely to miss out. Continental giants Nigeria and South Africa are both in Group C; Algeria battles Uganda in Group G, Morocco will clash with Zambia, and Ghana will face Mali in Group I. The other top teams have relatively easy groups that they are expected to win. y
Our World Cup qualifiers predictions for Africa
From the qualification path, the most likely teams to qualify for FIFA World Cup 26 from Africa are; Morocco, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Code d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Egypt, and South Africa. You can also dive into our top-notch AFCON tips for some sure wins in the ongoing African Cup of Nation’s qualifiers!
Europe
The European format gives a second chance to big teams that fail to top their qualification groups to qualify via the playoff stages. This means that there will be competition for the top 2 slots of each group.
Our World Cup qualifiers predictions for Europe
The 12 teams that are likely to top their respective groups are: Portugal, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Denmark, England, Germany, Serbia, Switzerland, and Croatia.