Africa Gets 9 Slots For Expanded 48-Team 2026 World Cup

The expanded 48-team World Cup approved by world football governing body FIFA today will see Africa now getting nine slots, four more than they currently enjoy.
An initial stage of 16 groups of three teams will precede a knockout stage for the remaining 32 when the change is made for the 2026 tournament.

The sport’s world governing body voted unanimously in favour of the change at a meeting in Zurich today.

In the expanded tournament, Europe will now have 16 teams, three more than what they have now, while South America will now get six automatic slots, upwards from the four automatic and one playoff places.

Asia have four extra spots with eight automatic and a playoff, while Concacaf get six automatic and a playoff slots.

Oceania and host country will have a slot each.

World Cup places by continents

Europe…16 (13 at present)

Africa…9 (5 )

Asia…8.5 (4.5)

South America …6 (4.5)

Concacaf…6.5 (3.5)

Oceania…1 (0.5)

Host country…1