Africa get 9 slots for expanded 2026 World Cup

The expanded 48-team World Cup approved by world football governing body FIFA today will see Africa now getting nine slots, four more than they currently enjoy.

An initial stage of 16 groups of three teams will precede a knockout stage for the remaining 32 when the change is made for the 2026 tournament.

The sport's world governing body voted unanimously in favour of the change at a meeting in Zurich today.

In the expanded tournament, Europe will now have 16 teams, three more than what they have now, while South America will now get six automatic slots, upwards from the four automatic and one playoff places.

Asia have four extra spots with eight automatic and a playoff, while Concacaf get six automatic and a playoff slots.

Oceania and host country will have a slot each.

World Cup places by continents

Europe...16 (13 at present)

Africa...9 (5 )

Asia...8.5 (4.5)

South America ...6 (4.5)

Concacaf...6.5 (3.5)

Oceania...1 (0.5)

Host country...1


http://africanfootball.com/news/677521/Africa-get-9-slots-for-expanded-2026-World-Cup

Beautiful!!!!

The continent will now have an expanded space to showcase hidden talents.

However, we can't continue to attend as spectators and drop out in the first round.

An aggressive football development programme is the key, with emphasis on our local league.

I hope the sports minister of United States of Nigeria will take note.

Chaiiii... See me see My first FTC before... .. Meanwhile the 9 slots that none will make it to the final.. Mtcheeew.. IDGAF crew over to u

Omg the good players will be injured by the time their country reaches the finals

Not bad

Wow! I'm so happy. * hugs Raine80 *

Cao , Sorry to bother you, but you can't escape this hug fest. It's a special moment. *hug*

Good Idea

Not bad

i hope many of the country are ready to chop goal like Saudi Arabia did some years back.

Now that's a REAL world cup not a glorified European cup

At least Naija will be able to qualify

Re you kiddin me, Europe 13...

Its not just to expand it...how will the qualification look like now

yes now we can have half a dozen from the west coast of Africa

and other 2 from the north and south Africa

By then Super Eagles should win the trophy

Quite impressive

As usual. We are only going to mark attendance .

1

At least nigeria will be able to qualify now

ilynem:
Nigeria will not still qualify

we've been qualifying with just 5 slots, is it 9 we won't now qualify for? You just wan talk

@post, Thank God they only added three to Europe even though it's still in excess

More importantly though, maybe some Southern and East African countries will be able to muscle out a slot in the World Cup finally

Gbam! Good news for Kenya, Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Sudan. Atleast it will stop some Phuckery news emanating from these sex-starved and bombalistic nation(s).
Above all, I think it would reduce the Super Eagles chances of Dissapointing us...
Thumbs up Innfaatiinoo!
Blatter will go like;

Even if they give us all the slots Africa will still not win

Good Africa getting lion share of the increase of laudable.
Nobody dey talk now even as Africa is considered above all other continents..
Sha don't make d Worldcup boring..

Nigeria will not still qualify

noted

i don't buy the idea....its going to be stressful and so long (just like a league)...
it will take a longer period of time (time that will be used for other important competitions)
But on the long run...its going to be packed with fun....more matches....more victory/loses.....and most of all, all this country that use to form superman will now have to prove thier strength.....and Nigeria can finally have the hopes of qualifying...
But the greatest of all is that
THERE WILL BE MORE GAMES TO BET ON......Sure games...

Nigeria must always make it now ooo after all we are giant of Africa

KingGeorgey:
Chaiiii... See me see My first FTC before... .. Meanwhile the 9 slots that none will make it to the final.. Mtcheeew.. IDGAF crew over to u

No vex

Moreoffaith:
i hope many of the country are ready to chop goal like Saudi Arabia did some years back.

What a memory! Japan/Korea 2002.

Germany vs Saudi Arabia 8:0

This is good, at least jobless people will have more time to waste