section_path: Confederation qualification/CAF
section_name: CAF
paragraph_text: CAF
  
  The CAF Executive Committee announced a new African qualification format on 19 May 2023.
  
  The draw was held on 13 July 2023 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. All 54 FIFA-affiliated football associations from CAF entered qualification. However, Eritrea withdrew before matches began. Congo were suspended on 6 February 2025 due to government interference and their remaining matches were cancelled before their suspension was reversed allowing them to play their matches in September and October. No announcement has yet been made on how Eritrea's withdrawal will affect the ranking of second-placed teams.
  
  The qualification structure is as follows:
  
  The CAF Executive Committee announced a new African qualification format on 19 May 2023.
  
  The draw was held on 13 July 2023 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. All 54 FIFA-affiliated football associations from CAF entered qualification. However, Eritrea withdrew before matches began. Congo were suspended on 6 February 2025 due to government interference and their remaining matches were cancelled before their suspension was reversed allowing them to play their matches in September and October. No announcement has yet been made on how Eritrea's withdrawal will affect the ranking of second-placed teams.
  
  The qualification structure is as follows: