Africa will have a record 10 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following Democratic Republic of the Congo’s qualification, sealing an extra slot for the continent.
DR Congo secured the ticket with a 1–0 extra-time win over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs on Tuesday, completing Africa’s full lineup for the expanded tournament.
The increase is a direct result of FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, raising Africa’s allocation from five (5) to nine (9).
Among the qualified nations, Cape Verde will be making a historic debut. With a population of about 525,000, the island nation becomes one of the smallest countries ever to reach the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Morocco and Tunisia remain the most experienced among the group, each with seven previous appearances.