Africa will field a record 10 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the qualification of the DR Congo national football team.
The Leopards secured the continent’s final slot after progressing through the African play-offs and edging Jamaica 1–0 in the intercontinental play-off on Tuesday night.
They join nine other African nations that had already sealed qualification for the expanded global tournament.
In contrast, the Nigeria Super Eagles missed out on qualification for the second consecutive edition.
The development marks the first time Africa will be represented by 10 teams at the World Cup, reflecting the continent’s growing presence in global football following the tournament’s expansion.
The qualified African teams are:
- DR Congo national football team
- Senegal national football team
- Morocco national football team
- Egypt national football team
- Ghana national football team
- Algeria national football team
- Tunisia national football team
- Ivory Coast national football team
- Cape Verde national football team
- South Africa national football team
The increase in slots follows the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams, creating more opportunities for countries across all confederations to compete on the global stage.
