The international qualifiers are the process of determining which nations will compete at a FIFA World Cup. The qualification cycle is split into two phases: the preliminary ties, in which teams compare head-to-head records prior to goal difference; and the group phase, where matches are played over two legs. In the latter case, matches that are level at the end of 90 minutes will go to extra time and, if necessary, penalty shootouts.
Most groups are drawn into a group of six or nine countries, and those finishing top qualify automatically for the next World Cup. In the event of a draw, a second-placed team will qualify by beating the fifth-placed team in a play-off.
In Africa, where the qualifiers are currently taking place, DR Congo, South Africa and Cape Verde lead their groups; 2022 finalists Morocco and Egypt are also in strong positions to qualify.
The final round is the play-offs, which are used to determine the last two places at the World Cup. They are split into three four-team groups, and the winners of each group qualify directly for the World Cup; the runners-up will join a third-placed team in the inter-confederation playoffs.
UEFA’s qualifying format for the World Cup changes in 2026, with a new system of having two groups of four teams, where each team faces each other twice. Those groups will then be split into two semi-finals and a final, where the winner will qualify for the World Cup and the runners-up will enter the inter-confederation play-offs to decide the other two places.