African teams’ qualification format for World Cup 2026 tops CAF meeting on Thursday

BY KUNLE SOLAJA

The mode of qualification of the African teams for the 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 will be decided when the executive committee of CAF holds a closed door meeting in Algeria on Thursday.

The 52-nation African confederation will have at least nine teams at the World Cup finals holding in three North American countries of US, Canada and Mexico.

A 10^th team might also qualify, but through intercontinental play-off.  The 2026 World Cup will not only be the largest field ever, but also with the largest number of African teams featuring.

The CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe will chair the CAF Executive Committee  meeting which begins in Algiers, Algeria at 1o.30 am Nigerian and Algerian time.  

Apert from the qualification format for the World Cup, also on the agenda are bids for the CAF Women’s Champions League 2023, and Coaching/Development Courses that will be rolled-out in Member Associations in line with CAF’s commitment to football development in Africa.

The Executive Committee will also get a status update on upcoming 45th Ordinary General Assembly and Africa Cup of Nations  Côte d’Ivoire 2023.