Sierra Leone's national football team, Leone Stars, has been placed in Pot 4 for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, alongside eight other African nations. The qualifiers are set to commence in November this year. The other countries in Pot 4 are Mozambique, The Gambia, Togo, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, Malawi, and Libya.
Being placed in Pot 4 means that Leone Stars will not be drawn in the same group as the countries in their pot. However, they may potentially face formidable opponents such as Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions, or Egypt, the runners-up, who are both in Pot 1. They could also face their neighboring countries Guinea, placed in Pot 2, and Liberia, placed in Pot 6.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the qualifiers for the World Cup will begin in November, once the countries have been placed into their respective groups. This edition of the qualifiers will introduce a new format, with the addition of four teams to the finals. The World Cup finals will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
Under the new format approved by CAF's Executive Committee, the 54 member associations will be divided into nine groups of six teams each. This means that there will be six teams in each group instead of the usual four. The group leaders will earn automatic qualification after matchday 10, while the four best runners-up will compete in a continental playoff. The winner of the playoff will face teams from other continents for a chance to secure a spot in the 48-team tournament to be held in North America.
Sierra Leone has participated in three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competitions in the past, but the World Cup has remained an elusive dream for the West African nation. With their non-participation in next year's AFCON confirmed after a narrow loss to Nigeria on matchday five, the local population is eager for their country to focus on the World Cup Qualifiers and make a strong bid for qualification.
The FIFA World Cup Qualifiers offer an opportunity for Sierra Leone to showcase its football talent on the global stage and inspire its passionate fan base. As the national team prepares for the qualifiers, the hopes and aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people will undoubtedly be behind them, urging them to perform at their best and strive for a historic qualification to the prestigious tournament.