1958.AFC teams were allocated eight direct qualifying slots and one inter-confederation play-off slot.[1]. The qualification process involved five rounds; the first two also serving as qualification forthe 2027 AFC Asian Cup. FIFAWorldCup 2026 – Schedule, Teams, Hosts, Live Scores & News. WorldCup 2026 Latest News and Update. Stay informed with the latest headlines, expert analysis, and fan insights. Discover the 48 teams taking part in theFIFAWorldCup 2026 Canada, Mexico, USA™, including host cities, groups and game dates. Learn more with FIFA. FIFA has deducted three points from South Africa and annulled their WorldCupqualifying victory over Lesotho after an investigation found they fielded an ineligible player in the fixture. Nigeria’s task is a little more complicated in comparison to the other two teams in the group. While victory over Benin in Uyo is vital, they need to do so via a comfortable margin and hope that South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in Mbombela. Morocco become the first African side toqualifyforthe 2026 FifaWorldCup, while Mohamed Salah's Egypt are on the brink of joining them.