If Nigeria beat DR Congo and qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs, they know that, as things stand, they will be one of the top-two highest-ranked teams in the draw. That's because Panama are the only nation in the running to qualify for this playoff section with a higher ranking than the Super Eagles.

The UEFA section of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finally got underway in March.While Africa, Asia and South America are among those confederations to have made substantial progress in their qualification pools,

Just one win separates the country, with a population of just 600,000, from their first-ever World Cup campaign.

The 12 group runners-up will be joined by four teams who reached the play-offs thanks to their Nations League performance

Nigeria’s full path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be determined by the world rankings as the Super Eagles prepare for a crucial clash against DR Congo.

Germany faces Luxembourg in a key World Cup qualifier. Nagelsmann’s side, atop Group A, seek direct 2026 qualification, while struggling Luxembourg aim for pride after four straight defeats.

Which teams are in the World Cup? Which ones have close to qualifying? Breaking it all down, region by region.

Our Ask Me Anything team explore when the World Cup draw is, how the seeding works and who has qualified so far.

The Concacaf qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup enter their decisive phase with the final double matchday.  Between Thursday, November 13, and Tuesday,