There were 54 FIFA-affiliated nations in the draw.

However, Eritrea subsequently withdrew. Congo, in the same group, were suspended by FIFA on Feb. 6 due to government interference, though they had lost all three group games at the time.

Round 1: The teams are in eight groups of six nations, and one group of four (with Eritrea and Congo removed.)

The nine group winners qualify for the World Cup.

This stage began in November 2023 and will be completed with rounds to be played in September and October.

The race to the World Cup is starting to take shape with qualifying at the halfway stage.

Round 2: The four best runners-up will enter playoffs (two semifinals and a final) to decide which one country will go to the inter-confederation playoffs. This stage will be played in November 2025.