According to a report by Punch News on Thursday, March 2 2026, Africa will be represented by a record 10 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after DR Congo clinched the final qualification slot on the continent.
The Leopards secured their place by defeating Nigeria in the African play-offs and later beating Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental play-offs on Tuesday night. They join the nine other African nations that had already qualified for the expanded tournament: DR Congo, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, and South Africa.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, however, missed out on qualification for the second consecutive World Cup.
This marks the first time the continent will send 10 teams to football’s biggest stage, highlighting Africa’s increasing influence and growing strength in global football.
The rise in Africa’s representation follows FIFA’s expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, which has created more opportunities for countries across the continent to reach the global showpiece event.
The milestone has been widely celebrated as a major achievement for African football.
