Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE road to the 2026 FIFA A TOTAL of 32 countries have already booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Portugal and Norway being the latest big names to punch their passports after cruising through their European qualifying groups.
For Norway it is a long overdue comeback, their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Now only 14 golden spots remain and the scramble is on. Eleven more European teams will qualify directly, three slots are waiting in North America and two lucky nations will fight through tense playoffs.
Already Qualified:
Co hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA
AFC: Australia, IR Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan
CAF: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
OFC: New Zealand
UEFA: England, France, Croatia, Norway, Portugal
Play Off Tournament qualifiers so far are Bolivia, New Caledonia and DRC.
Meanwhile Rabat is polishing the red carpet as CAF revealed the finalists for the 2025 CAF Awards set for Wednesday night. The continent’s top performers will trade sharp suits for shiny trophies in a ceremony expected to light up Morocco.
The Men’s Player of the Year race is a heavyweight showdown featuring Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen. Goalkeeper of the Year pits Munir Mohamedi against Yassine Bonou and Ronwen Williams.
Interclub Player finalists are Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Chibi and Oussama Lamlioui, while the coaching gong will be contested by Bubista, Mohamed Ouahbi and Walid Regragui.
In the youth bracket Abdellah Ouazane, Othmane Maamma and South Africa’s Tylon Smith are battling for the Young Player crown.
Women’s categories are equally loaded. Ghizlaine Chebbak, Sanaa Mssoudy and Rasheedat Ajibade headline the Player of the Year contest, while Khadija Er Rmichi, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Andile Dlamini fight for the top goalkeeper prize.
Some women’s awards, including Coach, Interclub Player and Club of the Year, will be revealed after the CAF Women’s Champions League concludes.
Football fever is rising and December is shaping up to be a blockbuster on both the pitch and the podium.
