2026 World Cup: No African Team in Pot 1 For Draw

2026 World Cup: No African Team in Pot 1 For Draw

Sampson Adedeji

No African team will be placed in Pot 1 when the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place in Las Vegas on December 5, 2025, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to the latest FIFA rankings, Morocco is currently ranked 12th in the world and Senegal, ranked 18th, will both be seeded in Pot 2 for the draw.

Pot 1 is traditionally reserved for the top-ranked nations, including the host countries and the highest-ranked teams globally. 

Morocco, who impressed at the 2022 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals, remains Africa’s highest-ranked side, while Senegal continues to be among the continent’s most consistent performers.

The 2026 edition, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format increasing the competition and reshaping the global football landscape.