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
Brazil vs Uruguay prediction
As the South American World Cup Qualifiers reach their 12th matchday, the anticipation builds for an enthralling contest between two footballing giants: Brazil and Uruguay. Set to take place on Wednesday, 20th November 2024, at 03:45 AM GMT +3, this clash is particularly intriguing given the historical rivalry and the critical points at stake as ... More
Argentina vs Peru prediction
The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Qualifying match between Argentina and Peru is set to take place on November 20, 2024, at 03:00 AM (UTC +3) in Buenos Aires. As the twelfth matchday of the South American qualifiers unfolds, fans and analysts alike are keenly interested in the outcome of this fixture. Argentina currently finds ... More
Paraguay vs Argentina prediction
The highly anticipated World Cup Qualifier match between Paraguay and Argentina is set to take place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 02:30. This clash on Matchday 11 of the South American qualifiers promises to be an exciting contest as both teams aim to secure vital points in their pursuit of a World Cup berth. ... More
Venezuela vs Brazil prediction
The upcoming World Cup Qualifying match between Venezuela and Brazil, scheduled for Friday, 15th November 2024, at 00:00, promises to be a captivating encounter in the South American region. With the stakes high, Venezuela aims to secure valuable points while Brazil looks to solidify its position for qualification to the World Cup. The fixture holds ... More
Brazil vs Peru prediction
With the heritage of talent, Brazil goes into this clash as the clear favorite backed by their recent win against Chile that granted them automatic qualifications. Brazil showed a very promising comeback in their clash against Chile by making effective use of the last minutes of both halves to make it a 2-1 away win, ... More
Argentina vs Bolivia prediction
Argentina is going to host Bolivia this Wednesday at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires for a crucial round 10 of the FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Right now, Argentina sitting on top of the standings with 19 points in 9 games, led by Lionel Messi, they aim to secure a vital win to continue ... More
Venezuela vs Argentina prediction
As anticipation grows for the October 11, 2024 qualifier, Venezuela prepares to host Argentina. Argentina, leading the CONMEBOL standings, aims to secure a decisive victory. Venezuela hopes to capitalize on home advantage and disrupt Argentina’s momentum. Both teams will showcase their talents as they fight for crucial points in this prestigious tournament. Venezuela’s recent international ... More
Paraguay vs Brazil prediction
Paraguay is currently on a four-game winless streak. They recently had a goalless draw against Uruguay, adding to their poor performance in the Copa America, where they finished at the bottom of the group with no points. As a result, they now rank 7th on the table. Paraguay will now host Brazil, against whom they ... More
Venezuela vs Uruguay prediction
On Wednesday, Venezuela will make their return to their home turf as they prepare to face Uruguay in their second international game this week. After suffering a 4-0 defeat to Bolivia, they are currently positioned in 5th place in the Conmebol league table with 9 points from 7 games. As they gear up for this ... More
Colombia vs Argentina prediction
Colombia nearly drop all the 3 point to Peru during the World Cup qualifying match in recent game, with much credit to Diaz’s comeback 8 minutes before time. This is their second winless game which were both haunted by battle to level the scoreboard. They need to be more compact when they face the continent’s ... More
Brazil vs Ecuador prediction
The campaign to return to the world’s most exciting tournament continues this weekend with Brazilians taking on Ecuador during the CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifiers game. Brazil has remained unbeaten in the recent 8 straight games while missing out on appearing in the semis in the most intensive battle with Uruguay during the Copa America ... More
Argentina vs Chile prediction
The much-awaited international break has arrived once more, bringing together players who have returned to represent their respective national teams. In the upcoming Conmebol World Cup qualifiers, the current World Champions and Copa America Champions will be facing off against Chile in their quest for victory in round 6. The Albiceleste’s unbeaten streak is set ... More
Zambia vs Tanzania prediction
Avram Grant is hopeful of making history by helping the Chipolopolo boys secure their first-ever World Cup qualifiers. The Zambian national team made a positive start by defeating Congo 4-2 in Ndola at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. After a 2-1 loss in Morocco, they now target a win against Tanzania. Former Chelsea manager Grant is contemplating ... More
South Africa vs Zimbabwe prediction
South Africa, currently sitting at midtable in Group D of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, is considered a favorite to advance from the group. With 4 points from 3 games – including 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss – they have been steadily building momentum. Their recent 1-1 draw against Nigeria extended their unbeaten ... More
Kenya vs Ivory Coast prediction
Kenya lost the opportunity to challenge the leadership of Group F after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burundi at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe where they are playing their home matches. The Harambee Stars were on course to take all three points after taking the lead in the 72nd minute of the game. However, a ... More
Ghana vs Central Africa prediction
Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, has been experiencing a string of disappointing results, failing to secure consecutive wins in their last 6 games, with 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses. The team has also struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in these 6 recent matches. Currently positioned 3rd with 6 ... More
Guinea-Bissau vs Egypt prediction
Guinea-Bissau, known for their resilient and spirited performances, aimed to capitalize on their home advantage. However, this is going to be tough one as they are up against one of the Africa fearless squad. It will be very critical for them to collect at least a point to keep their mission to the World Cup ... More
Mauritania vs Senegal prediction
The Mauritania national football team is preparing to face Senegal in a highly anticipated match on Sunday 9th June, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Under the leadership of coach Abdou Amir, Mauritania has been striving to enhance its performance and make an impact on the international football stage and its going to face Senegal which is ... More
Nigeria vs South Africa prediction
Nigeria and South Africa will continue their quest to book their place in the 2026 World Cup when they clash in Uyo, South-South Nigeria on Friday. The hosts did not get off to the best of start and they are currently placed third on the log. However, they are still. the favourites to emerge from ... More
Kenya vs Burundi prediction
Kenya will look to impose their will when they welcome neighbours Burundi on matchday 3 of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers to be played in Malawi’s Bingu National Stadium. The Harambee Starrs kicked off this campaign on the wrong footing as they lost 2-1 away to Gabon. They nevertheless showed flashes of brilliance in that ... 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lazio vs Inter Milan prediction | Mon, 16.12.2024 | DC Draw/Inter Milan |
| Juventus vs Cagliari Coppa prediction | Tue, 17.12.2024 | Over 2,5 Goals |
| Real Madrid vs Pachuca prediction | Wed, 18.12.2024 | HC -1 Real Madrid Win |
| Atalanta vs Cesena prediction | Wed, 18.12.2024 | Under 2,5 Goals |
| Arsenal vs Crystal Palace EFL prediction | Wed, 18.12.2024 | Correct Score 2-1 |
| Southampton vs Liverpool EFL prediction | Wed, 18.12.2024 | HT/FT – Liverpool/Liverpool |
| Monaco vs PSG prediction | Wed, 18.12.2024 | Over 2,5 Goals |
| Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers prediction | Thu, 19.12.2024 | Over 3,5 Goals |
| Real Betis vs HJK prediction | Thu, 19.12.2024 | HT/FT – Real Betis/ Real Betis |
| Inter Milan vs Udinese prediction | Thu, 19.12.2024 | Inter Milan Win |
| Tottenham vs Man United EFL prediction | Thu, 19.12.2024 | DC Tottenham/Draw |
| Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig prediction | Fri, 20.12.2024 | Over 3,5 Goals |
| Hellas Verona vs AC Milan prediction | Fri, 20.12.2024 | AC Milan Win (Draw No Bet) |
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.