World Cup qualifiers – latest news, fixtures and analysis

When you track World Cup qualifiers, the series of matches that decide which national teams earn a spot in the FIFA World Cup tournament. Also known as World Cup qualification, it determines who will represent each continent on football’s biggest stage.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup, the 23rd edition of FIFA’s quad‑yearly tournament that will feature 48 teams instead of 32 reshapes the qualification landscape. More slots mean tougher competition for traditional powerhouses and fresh chances for emerging nations. The expanded format influences how confederations allocate spots, driving new strategies in every qualifying campaign.

In Africa, the CAF, the Confederation of African Football that runs the continent’s World Cup qualification process runs its groups to a dramatic finish. Group D, for example, sees Cameroon chasing Cape Verde after a 2‑0 win over Mauritius, while Algeria’s 3‑0 thrashing of Uganda in CHAN 2024 showcases the depth of talent across the region. CAF’s group‑stage format requires consistency and the ability to pick points on the road.

Europe’s battle is managed by UEFA, the governing body that organizes European World Cup qualification and the Nations League. A tight race unfolded when Portugal edged Ireland 1‑0 in Lisbon, a match decided by a last‑minute Ruben Neves strike after a saved Ronaldo penalty. Such fixtures illustrate how a single goal can shift the odds for a nation chasing that coveted ticket.

What to watch in the qualification race

Across the globe, storylines intertwine. African teams juggle travel across vast distances, while European sides balance Nations League results with qualifier points. South America is gearing up for the Libertadores‑style intensity, and Asia’s qualifiers are already seeing surprise upsets. The common thread? Every nation must manage squad rotation, travel fatigue, and the pressure of a single‑match elimination scenario. Readers will find coverage of Portugal’s clutch win, Cameroon’s push for the final spot, and the broader impact of the 2026 expansion on each confederation’s strategy.

Stay ahead of the game with our World Cup qualifiers roundup. Below you’ll discover match reports, player highlights and analysis that break down what each result means for the road to the next World Cup.