The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the longest and most inclusive in football history, with 48 berths up for grabs and a new-look qualifying format spread across six confederations. Expect plot twists, juggernaut collapses, and at least one nation writing a Disney-level fairy tale. Here are ten fearless predictions that could dominate headlines over the next 18 months:
1. Africa’s “Group of Death” Claims an Illustrious Scalp
Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Cameroon are on collision course in a redesigned CAF final round. Mo Salah’s Egypt will miss out on penalties in the last matchday, echoing their familiar heartbreak but this time against Cameroon’s inspired young forward line.
2. South America Embraces Chaos—Peru Stumbles, Bolivia Soars
Bolivia will capitalize on La Paz’s 3,600-meter altitude and Luis Diaz-style wing reinforcements to finish fifth, sending Peru to an intercontinental playoff they will ultimately lose to Panama.
3. Europe’s Upset King—Greece 2.0
An aging but tactically astute Greece side will squeeze past Italy in UEFA Group C, capitalizing on the Azzurri’s post-Euros hangover and earning their first World Cup ticket since 2014.
4. Canada Tops CONCACAF but U.S. Falters
Without the safety net of automatic hosting, the United States will finish fourth behind Canada, Mexico, and surprise package Panama, forcing Gregg Berhalter into a do-or-die intercontinental showdown.
5. Asia’s First-Timers—Tajikistan Shock the Continent
Expansion means Asia gains eight slots, and Tajikistan’s well-drilled defense plus naturalized attackers will pip Jordan on goal difference, sparking nationwide celebrations in Dushanbe.
6. New Zealand Finally Falls—Solomon Islands Steal the OFC Crown
After six consecutive OFC final wins, New Zealand will lose 2-1 in Honiara as Solomon Islands’ 18-year-old sensation, Raphael Olin, nets a 92-minute winner, setting up a showdown with Ecuador.
7. Playoff Madness—Ukraine vs. Venezuela in Cardiff
Political undertones add spice as Ukraine edges Venezuela on a snowy neutral site, completing a fairytale revival for a squad galvanized by domestic league talent developed amid wartime adversity.
8. Top Goal-Scorer Battle—Kylian Mbappé vs. Víctor Osimhen
Mbappé finishes with 11 goals in Europe, but Osimhen’s 10 for Nigeria—half coming against low-block minnows—will spark social-media debates about inflated strike rates in weak groups.
9. Manager Carousel—Zinedine Zidane Takes Over Brazil
After Fluminense’s Fernando Diniz fails to lift Brazil above sixth in CONMEBOL, the CBF turns to Zidane weeks before the playoff; his arrival delivers instant swagger and a nervy win over New Zealand.
10. Record Redemption—Qatar Qualifies Organically
Facing skepticism over their 2022 hosting, Qatar will silence critics by finishing second in AFC Group B ahead of South Korea, proving their youth academy project has long-term merit.
The expanded field invites underdogs to dream and giants to tremble. By late 2025, expect confederation playoffs to become can’t-miss drama, legacy managers to be sacked on live TV, and at least one 100-million-strong nation throwing a week-long party that triples global coffee prices. Buckle up—the qualifiers are about to rewrite world football hierarchies faster than a VAR check on a 90-minute penalty.
