While five African countries — all from the north — have pulled through the qualifiers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, to be played in North America, 11 others will, in the last Matchday of the qualifying round from Sunday, battle for the remaining five places allotted to the continent. On Matchday 7, Morocco, lead hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, were the first African nation to confirm their participation in the 2026 edition, which will take place in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. They were followed by Tunisia (Matchday 8), Egypt and Algeria (both Matchday 9).
Out of five north African sides in the qualifiers, only Libya are unable to progress automatically to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. And only Libya have never been to the finals among them. The Mediterranean Knights have an almost impossible chance of toppling Cameroon and Cape Verde to end up as runners-up in Group D. Africa’s four best losers will competition in intercontinental playoffs to determine two more qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
A dramatic turn of events on Friday rekindled Nigeria’s fading hope of being among the automatic qualifiers. Nigeria won in South Africa against Lesotho, while former log leaders South Africa play goalless with Zimbabwe. But even with that situation, qualification is still not in the hands of the Super Eagles, who must not only beat visiting Benin Republic on Tuesday, but also count on Rwanda to leave the Mbombela Stadium in South Africa with a point against the host nation.
Any other outcome will bring Nigeria to the end of the road, as progressing through the intercontinental playoffs is impossible. The Super Eagles cannot rank among the best four losers in the qualifiers to qualify for that second chance, no matter how much they beat the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.
To emerge from Group C as automatic qualifiers, current log leaders, Benin must secure at least a point against neighbours Nigeria in Uyo, and maintain goal difference advantage, in case South Africa beat Rwanda. The Cheetahs, coached by former Nigerian manager, Gernot Rohr, had shocked the Super Eagles 2-1 in the first leg in Abidjan, where Benin played their home matches.
In Group B, Senegal must beat Mauritania to be sure of preventing DR Congo from reaching the finals for the first time. A draw will also be fine for the Lions of Teranga, as long as the Congolese don’t win massively and cancel the former’s huge goal difference.
For DR Congo, it’s a must-win game against visiting Sudan, plus poor result by the Senegalese to see a last gasp change in the log.
There is the possibility of another FIFA World Cup debutante in Group D where Cape Verde Islands will be rewarded for their tenacity in the qualifiers. Against the bookmakers’ prediction, the islanders have stayed ahead of the once feared Cameroon for some Matchdays, and now required victory over hopeless Eswatini to make history for their country.
Cameroon are, however, knocking on the door. With a superior goal advantage over Cape Verde, the Indomitable Lions face Angola in Yaounde, and if they win (as expected), where the ticket goes will depend on what Cape Verde do in their own game.
Groups F and I also present Africa with the prospect of two more first times in the FIFA World Cup finals. The continent’s reigning champions, Côte d’Ivoire have Gabon to worry about in Group F. Only a point placed Gabon behind their dream World Cup. While the Elephants welcome Kenya to Abidjan on Tuesday, Gabon will be hosting Burundi.
Madagascar have a tougher task in Group I where Ghana hold sway. It’s advantage the Black Stars on two fronts — they have a three-point advantage and also hold a seven-goal edge over the Barea whose flag has never been flown at the FIFA World Cup finals.
Africa’s qualifiers for 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Egypt
- Algeria
Likely qualifiers
- Senegal/DR Congo
- Benin/South Africa/Nigeria
- Cape Verde/Cameroon
- Côte d’Ivoire/Gabon
- Ghana/Madagascar
