Rabat — The final six teams for the expanded 2024 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed, bringing the total number of participants to 48 from the 32 teams that played in Qatar in 2022. Four European teams secured their spots, alongside two through an intercontinental playoff.
Four European teams, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, who denied Italy’s participation for the third consecutive time, marking a historic first for a former World Cup winner. Czechia, Türkiye, and Sweden also joined the tournament following victories against Denmark, Kosovo, and Poland, respectively.
In the intercontinental playoffs, DR Congo secured their first qualification since 1974 with a 1–0 win over Jamaica. Despite facing significant travel challenges, Iraq managed to field a full squad, securing their first qualification since 1986 with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia.
The 48 nations, including the three hosts (Canada, Mexico, and the United States) and 43 teams through confederations, will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top 32 teams advancing to the knockout rounds. The tournament kicks off with Mexico facing South Africa on June 11, and Morocco, currently ranked 8th, will play their first group game on June 13. Paragraph: The expanded World Cup will offer a wider range of teams and cultures to the global audience, with the first match set to capture the excitement of this year’s competition.
Source: moroccoworldnews
