Morocco, one of the co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup finals, has been announced as the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs for Africa.
The playoffs will involve four of the continent’s best four losers in the nine-group qualifiers, being concluded with Matchday 10 on Tuesday.
In a circular to all member associations, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, Samson Adamu said that the semifinals will be played on 13 November 2025, while the final is scheduled for three days after.
The October 2025 FIFA Rankings, which is to be released on 23 October, will determine the seeding for the draw.
The top-ranked team will face the fourth-best, while the second and third-ranked teams will clash in the other semi-final.
The African mini-tournament is expected to be fiercely contested, with nations like Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar among those still vying for a chance to secure the continent’s final ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The team that emerged from this mini-tournament will represent Africa in the intercontinental play-offs involving opponents from Asia, South America, Oceania and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) for a spot at the global showpiece.
It will be the last and most decisive step in Africa’s bid to send a 10th representative to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
