The race to secure Africa’s remaining seven spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached a thrilling climax as the group stage of the qualifiers draws to a close. With matches scheduled between October 8 and 14, only the winners of each of the nine qualifying groups will automatically book their place at the expanded 48-team global tournament set to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Two nations Morocco and Tunisia have already sealed qualification after dominant campaigns, leaving several African powerhouses and emerging teams battling fiercely for the remaining places. The competition promises high drama across the continent, as giants like Nigeria and Cameroon face the risk of missing out, while smaller nations such as Cape Verde and Benin edge closer to historic milestones.
In Group A, Egypt stand on the brink of qualification, boasting a comfortable five-point lead over Burkina Faso. A win against Djibouti would mathematically seal their place, but even a slip-up would still give them a chance to secure qualification at home against Guinea-Bissau. Burkina Faso, who are likely to finish second, will need to win both their matches against Sierra Leone and Ethiopia to keep faint hopes alive of reaching the playoffs, where the top four second-placed teams will battle for one intercontinental ticket.
The situation in Group B is similarly intense, with Senegal—the reigning African champions—holding a narrow one-point lead over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). After an impressive comeback victory against DR Congo in their last outing, the Teranga Lions are now in the driving seat and will seal a third consecutive World Cup appearance if they defeat South Sudan and Mauritania. However, DR Congo, Sudan, and even Mauritania still have mathematical chances, depending on how the remaining fixtures play out.
In Group C, the qualification picture was dramatically reshaped after FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho. The decision overturned a crucial 2-0 win and instead awarded Lesotho a 3-0 forfeit victory, tightening the standings. As a result, Benin currently lead on goal difference ahead of South Africa, with Nigeria and Rwanda three points behind but still very much in contention. The final round will be decisive, as Benin face tough away fixtures against Rwanda and Nigeria, while South Africa must secure results against Zimbabwe and Rwanda to keep their hopes alive. Nigeria, meanwhile, face Lesotho and Benin and will need maximum points—and a bit of luck—to clinch qualification.
The spotlight in Group D falls on Cape Verde, who are just one win away from making history. Following a stunning 1-0 victory over Cameroon, the island nation sits four points clear at the top. A win against either Libya or Eswatini will secure their first-ever World Cup appearance, marking a monumental moment for a country with a population of less than 600,000. Cameroon and Libya still have slim chances of overtaking the Blue Sharks, but only if Cape Verde stumble in both their remaining games.
Group E has already been decided, with Morocco maintaining a perfect record and becoming the first African nation to qualify with two games to spare. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists have shown their class once again and are expected to finish the campaign unbeaten. The battle for second place between Tanzania, Niger, and Zambia continues, though it carries little consequence beyond pride and ranking.
In Group F, Ivory Coast hold a narrow one-point lead over Gabon, setting up a tense finale. The Elephants will play Seychelles and Kenya, while Gabon face The Gambia and Burundi. With Gabon’s Denis Bouanga leading the scoring charts in African qualifying, both teams are likely to push hard until the last whistle, with Gabon potentially entering the playoffs if they fail to top the group.
Algeria are on course for another World Cup appearance as they lead Group G by four points. A single win from their remaining fixtures against Somalia and Uganda would secure their qualification. Uganda and Mozambique, however, remain in contention for a playoff spot depending on other results.
In Group H, Tunisia have already booked their place at the World Cup, while Namibia are fighting to secure second place. The Brave Warriors hold a four-point lead over Liberia, with Malawi and Equatorial Guinea still in the race mathematically. Namibia’s upcoming fixtures against Liberia and Tunisia will determine whether they can cement a top-two finish.
Finally, Group I sees Ghana in control as they aim for back-to-back World Cup appearances. The Black Stars lead Madagascar by three points and will qualify if they win against the Central African Republic and Madagascar fail to earn maximum points. Their final match against Comoros could prove decisive, while Madagascar’s clash with Mali will be crucial in determining the final standings.
With only nine automatic spots available, competition across Africa remains fierce. The continent’s heavyweights are under pressure to perform, while underdogs like Cape Verde and Benin chase their dreams of a first-ever World Cup appearance. As the final whistles blow across African stadiums between October 8 and 14, football fans will witness a defining moment for the continent’s representation on the world stage an unforgettable battle for a place among football’s elite at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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