Confirmed! Africa to have nine spots in 48-team W’Cup

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) have confirmed the decision to give Africa nine automatic slots in the 48-team World Cup which begins in 2026.

Africa currently has five slots, but will have an additional four when the expansion begins.

According to a statement on FIFA’s official website, the move will also see 16 teams from Europe feature at the World Cup, eight from Asia, six from South America and one direct slot from Oceania.

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Meanwhile the final two places in the global competition will be decided by six-team play-offs with teams from Africa, Asia, north and central America, South America and Oceania; which means Africa could get a 10th slot.

The allocations:
Asia: 8 direct slots – increased from 4.5
Africa: 9 direct slots – increased from 5
North and central America: 6 direct slots – increased from 3.5
South America: 6 direct slots – increased from 4.5
Oceania: 1 direct slot – increased from 0.5
Europe: 16 direct slots – increased from 13

 

 

 

 

 

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