DR Congo joins nine African teams for expanded World Cup
Africa will have a record 10 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after DR Congo secured the final spot. The Leopards clinched their place by defeating Nigeria in the African play-offs and then overcoming Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs. This marks the first time Africa will send 10 teams to the tournament, highlighting the continent’s growing presence in global football. The expanded format offers more opportunities for African nations to compete on the world stage.
Match highlights
- DR Congo qualified for the World Cup by beating Nigeria and Jamaica in crucial play-off matches.
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to qualify for the second consecutive tournament.
- Africa will be represented by 10 teams for the first time at the World Cup.
- The full list of African qualifiers includes DR Congo, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, and South Africa.
- FIFA’s expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams allowed more African countries to qualify.
