CAF would get the opportunity to send out nine countries to represent the continent at the 2026 World Cup. In a FIFA recommendation released on Thursday, all football regions will have their slots for the biggest football event increased when the tournament expands to 48 teams. The plan to expand the competition beyond its current 32-team format, which is subject to approval at FIFA’s May Congress in Bahrain, guarantees Africa nine places, marking an increase of four from the current five places. Asia would see their places increased to eight slots and CONCACAF will have six places from its current level of between three and four.

South America would also get an increase to six slots with Europe leading the way with 16 slots from their current thirteen. The biggest news would be for Oceania. The region which was never guaranteed a slot in past World Cups have been assured one spot by FIFA's ruling council. FIFA's decision to expand the tournament has not been met with complete approval with some fans calling the decision a money grab and a way to win favor among developing world federations who helped him become president.