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CAF expresses confidence in 10 African nations at 2026 FIFA World Cup
02nd April, 2026 07:23 AM
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed confidence in all African nations set to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for June in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.
This comes as the continent is set to achieve an unprecedented milestone at the showpiece, with ten teams qualifying for the tournament, the highest number ever from the continent. This landmark moment was confirmed after the DR Congo secured the final available spot following a tense victory on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The Leopards clinched their place with a narrow 1-0 win in extra time against Jamaica during the intercontinental play-offs. Their triumph completed Africa’s lineup, joining nine other countries that had already confirmed their qualification for the enlarged global showpiece.
CAF elated
In a statement shortly after the DR Congo became the latest African nation to seal their qualification for the World Cup, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said:
“CAF and African Football are proud of the 10 countries that will be representing the African continent at the FIFA World Cup 2026.™ It is the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup that Africa is represented by 10 Countries. This is a recognition of the substantial growth and global competitiveness of African Football,” Motsepe noted.
”We are confident that the African National Teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud and that an African Nation will be Champions of the FIFA World Cup. We also want to congratulate the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) for their victory against Jamaica and qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he added.
Historical achievement
This achievement marks a historic first, as Africa has never before had ten representatives at a single World Cup tournament. The development highlights the continent’s increasing role and competitiveness in international football, even as the Confederation for African Football, (CAF) has also expanded the Africa Cup of Nations participation from 24 to 28 teams.
Africa’s increased participation comes as a result of FIFA expanding the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams. The new format has created additional opportunities for developing football nations to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
