Africa’s qualification race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its decisive week, with seven more nations set to secure their tickets to North America in 2026.
With two rounds of matches remaining, Morocco and Tunisia have already sealed top spots in their groups, guaranteeing their participation at next year’s global showpiece.
The remaining seven automatic qualification slots will be decided by next Tuesday.
EGYPT, GHANA, AND ALGERIA ON THE BRINK
Egypt is poised to book their place on Wednesday when they face Djibouti in Group A, while Ghana could clinch Group I on the same day if they defeat the Central African Republic away and Madagascar drop points elsewhere.
In Group G, Algeria needs just a point from their penultimate fixture against Somalia on Thursday to confirm qualification.
CAPE VERDE CHASING HISTORIC SPOT
The Cape Verde Islands are on the verge of a fairytale qualification in Group D.
Sitting four points clear of second-placed Cameroon, the island nation requires just one win from their remaining two matches—away to Libya on Thursday and at home to Eswatini next Monday—to reach their first-ever World Cup finals.
SENEGAL AND CÔTE D’IVOIRE HOLD NARROW LEADS
Former African champions Senegal leads Group B by two points over the DR Congo and can secure qualification with victories over South Sudan on Friday and Mauritania and next Tuesday.
Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, maintains a one-point lead over Gabon in Group F and will confirm their place if they defeat Seychelles on Friday and Kenya on October 14.
SOUTH AFRICA’S COSTLY ADMINISTRATIVE BLUNDER
In Group C, South Africa’s campaign took a dramatic twist after being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in March.
The deduction erased their lead and left them trailing Benin on goal difference.
Benin faces tough away fixtures against Rwanda on Friday and Nigeria next Tuesday, while South Africa will host Zimbabwe on Friday and Rwanda next Tuesday.
Interestingly, the clash against Zimbabwe—technically an “away” game—will be played in Durban, giving Bafana Bafana a home advantage after Zimbabwe failed to secure a CAF-approved venue.
Head coach Hugo Broos accepted full responsibility for the blunder that sparked outrage among South African fans.
“I am responsible. I am the coach; I had to know that this guy had two yellow cards. So stop with it,” Broos said. “Just focus on the two games remaining and support us. We will do everything to win—this is extra motivation for me.”
With the stakes sky-high, the coming week promises drama, redemption, and potentially historic moments as Africa’s top teams battle for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Maxwell Kumoye
