Africa’s race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching a thrilling conclusion. Five teams Ghana, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia have already booked their tickets to North America. That leaves four automatic qualification spots still up for grabs.
Only the group winners of the CAF qualifiers earn direct qualification, while the four best runners-up will enter a playoff for one extra place. The battles in Groups B, C, D, and F are set to decide who joins the already-qualified sides.
Group B: Senegal vs DR Congo
Standings:
- Senegal – 21 pts
- DR Congo – 19 pts
Senegal currently leads the group, holding a narrow advantage over DR Congo. Both teams secured wins in their most recent fixtures Senegal dismantled South Sudan 5-0, while DR Congo edged Togo 1-0.
Upcoming fixtures:
- Senegal vs Mauritania
- Sudan vs DR Congo
Senegal can seal qualification with a win or even a draw, depending on other results. DR Congo must win and hope Senegal slips up to snatch the top spot.
Group C: Benin, South Africa, Nigeria
Standings:
- Benin – 17 pts
- South Africa – 15 pts
- Nigeria – 14 pts
This group remains wide open. Benin’s recent 1-0 victory over Rwanda kept them in control. Nigeria stayed in the hunt with a 2-1 win against Lesotho, while South Africa dropped points in a goalless draw with Zimbabwe.
Upcoming fixtures:
- Nigeria vs Benin
- South Africa vs Rwanda
A win for Benin would secure their first-ever World Cup qualification. Nigeria can leapfrog them with a win, while South Africa must win and rely on the other result to go their way.
Group D: Cape Verde vs Cameroon
Standings:
- Cape Verde – 20 pts
- Cameroon – 18 pts
Cape Verde remain top after a 3-3 draw in Libya, while Cameroon kept the pressure on with a 2-0 victory over Mauritius.
Upcoming fixtures:
- Cape Verde vs Eswatini
- Angola vs Cameroon
Cape Verde will qualify with a win. Even a draw could be enough. Cameroon, on the other hand, must win and hope Cape Verde fails to secure three points.
Group F: Ivory Coast vs Gabon
Standings:
- Ivory Coast – 23 pts
- Gabon – 22 pts
This is one of the closest races. Ivory Coast moved ahead thanks to a commanding 7-0 win over Seychelles, while Gabon stayed in contention with a thrilling 4-3 win against Gambia.
Upcoming fixtures:
- Ivory Coast vs Kenya
- Gabon vs Burundi
Ivory Coast will qualify with a win or a draw. Gabon need to beat Burundi and hope Ivory Coast drops points.
The Road to 2026
By the end of this international window, the four remaining group winners will claim their tickets to the 2026 World Cup. The best runners-up across the groups will advance to the CAF playoff round, with a chance to qualify through the intercontinental playoff.
With high stakes, tight scorelines, and several nations on the brink of making history, the final round of African qualifiers promises intense drama.
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