World Cup
Morocco among African hopefuls ready to seal 2026 World Cup berth
- Summary
- Morocco could become first African side to reach 2026 finals
- Algeria, Egypt can also qualify with two games to play
- Key clashes in several other qualifying groups
Africa could deliver the first of its nine guaranteed representatives at the 2026 World Cup when qualifying resumes this week, with Morocco among several familiar protagonists standing on the cusp of winning their groups.
The Moroccans set a benchmark for Africa at the last World Cup by reaching the semi-finals in Qatar and look likely to be the continent’s first side to qualify for the next finals in North America.
Victory at home over Niger, combined with closest Group E challengers Tanzania failing to win at Brazzaville against Congo, on Friday would see Morocco book their berth for 2026.
Morocco, FIFA’s highest ranked African side at number 12, are the only side with a 100% record in the preliminaries.
Egypt, who were the first Africans to compete at a World Cup in 1934, must win at home against Ethiopia on Friday and then overcame second-placed Burkina Faso away in Ouagadougou next Tuesday to ensure top spot in Group A.
That is easier said than done though, as Burkina will be back in front of their home fans after a ban on the August 4 Stadium, which forced them to host previous “home” qualifiers in Morocco, was lifted after renovations.
Algeria are only three points ahead of Mozambique at the top of Group G but if results go their way over the next week of the international window they could also be sure of qualifying.
They have a home clash against Botswana on Thursday and then meet Guinea in neutral Casablanca on Monday.
Guinea are one of 13 countries forced to move home games to neutral venues because their stadia failed to meet international standards.
Tunisia also have a chance of qualifying ahead of the final two rounds of group fixtures in October. They need to beat Liberia and Equatorial Guinea and hope other results in Group H go their way.
The winners of all nine groups gain automatic berths at the expanded 48-team finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The four best placed runners-up go into a playoff in November to determine one African team to advance to a final inter-continental playoff next March.
In other key matches over the next week, Group F front-runners Ivory Coast will go to chasers Gabon with likely a single point separating them.
In Kinshasa, the match-up between hosts Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal could determine who goes top of Group B while South Africa’s fixture against Nigeria could have a big impact on how Group C shakes out.
Another key encounter sees Cameroon travel to the Cape Verde Islands in Group D.
-Reuters
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles face a must-win clash on Saturday as Rwanda’s Amavubi arrive in Uyo with a 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The visitors, led by coach Adel Amrouche, dropped Claude Smith Kayibanda, Djabilu Ishimwe and David Niyo, with Kayibanda ruled out by injury.
The Rwandans are expected to touch down in Lagos on Tuesday before continuing to Uyo to set up camp ahead of Matchday 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. After facing Nigeria, they will move on to South Africa for a fixture against Zimbabwe on September 9.
The stakes are high for Eric Chelle’s Eagles, who sit fourth in Group C with seven points — one behind Rwanda and Benin, and six adrift of leaders South Africa.
With FIFA still to rule on a protest over Bafana Bafana’s alleged use of an ineligible player, Saturday’s showdown could be decisive in Nigeria’s qualification push.
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Nigeria’s next World Cup qualifying opponents, Rwanda’s Amavubi, have stepped up preparations for their crucial Group C encounter against the Super Eagles by opening camp in Kigali on Sunday.
The team, lodged at the Gorilla Hotel, began training on Monday at the Amahoro Stadium under the watchful eyes of head coach Adel Amrouche.
The 27-man provisional squad will be trimmed to 24 before their departure to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 2.
The Rwandan delegation is scheduled to leave Kigali aboard RwandAir at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, with Lagos as their first point of entry before heading to Uyo.
The Super Eagles will host the Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, September 6.
Rwanda will then continue their qualifying campaign with an away fixture against Zimbabwe in South Africa on September 9.
The Matchday 7 clash in Uyo is crucial for both Nigeria and Rwanda, as the race for qualification heats up.
Group leaders South Africa currently sit top with 13 points, pending FIFA’s ruling on allegations of fielding an ineligible player in their March win over Lesotho.
Rwanda are second on eight points, level with Benin, while Nigeria trail closely in fourth place with seven points. Lesotho are on six points, with Zimbabwe rooted at the bottom on four.
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The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a decisive stretch this week as Africa’s qualifiers resume with two rounds of fixtures that could all but seal the fate of several contenders.
Between September 3 and 9, the seventh and eighth rounds will unfold across the continent, bringing teams closer to clarity in a marathon campaign that will ultimately deliver nine direct tickets to the expanded 48-team tournament in North America — and possibly a tenth through intercontinental play-offs.
At stake is not just history, but survival. With only group winners qualifying automatically, and four of the best second-placed teams advancing to an African play-off tournament, every match carries weight.
September’s double-header will give teams like Morocco and Egypt the chance to confirm their tickets early, while others, such as Nigeria and Cameroon, must claw their way back into contention.
Egypt Closing In, Morocco Poised for Early Seal
In Group A, Egypt have created daylight over Burkina Faso and could secure qualification if results fall their way.
The Pharaohs host Ethiopia before a crunch trip to Ouagadougou, where they may stamp their ticket.
In Group E, Morocco have the clearest path: a win against Niger would mathematically secure qualification, potentially making them the first African nation to book a seat at the 2026 finals.
Tight Races in Groups B, C, and D
Group B looks set for a three-horse race. Senegal, DR Congo, and Sudan are separated by a single point, with heavyweight clashes ahead — including Senegal hosting Sudan and then traveling to Kinshasa.
Group C is even more politically charged, with South Africa holding a five-point lead but still facing Nigeria in Bloemfontein, a fixture that could revive the Super Eagles’ stuttering campaign.
Meanwhile, Group D is shaping up for a decisive showdown in Praia, where Cape Verde and Cameroon will battle for control.
Heavyweights on Edge
Elsewhere, Algeria (Group G) and Ivory Coast (Group F) are expected to stay on course, though both face tricky fixtures that could delay celebrations.
Tunisia (Group H) maintain a cushion over Namibia, but the final round in Tunis may yet decide their destiny. Ghana, scarred by their AFCON elimination, are chasing redemption in Group I but must navigate a stern test against Mali.
The Stakes Beyond September
This qualifying format has sharpened competition: slip-ups can be fatal, and even second place is no guarantee of survival.
For example, in Group F, Gabon and Ivory Coast may both advance in some form, but only one can qualify directly.
In smaller groups like Morocco’s, second-placed teams risk being disadvantaged in the race for play-off slots.
As the dust settles on these two matchdays, some African giants could be celebrating early qualification, while others may find themselves pushed to the brink, relying on the last two rounds in October or even the perilous play-off route.
One thing is certain: this week will redraw the map of Africa’s World Cup journey — with both dreams and heartbreak in equal measure.
Group by Group Outlook: African World Cup Qualifiers
Group A – Egypt leads
- Egypt (16 pts) need a win over Ethiopia to edge closer to qualification; showdown with Burkina Faso on Matchday 8 could seal it.
- Burkina Faso (11 pts) aiming for one of four best second-placed spots for the play-offs.
Group B – Three-way contest
- DR Congo (13 pts), Senegal (12 pts), Sudan (12 pts) all in contention.
- Senegal-Sudan and DRC-Senegal fixtures will likely decide the group winner.
Group C – South Africa in command
- South Africa (13 pts) five points clear; victories over Lesotho and Nigeria could secure top spot.
- Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria fighting for play-off positions.
Group D – Cape Verde vs Cameroon showdown
- Cape Verde (13 pts) and Cameroon (12 pts) lead; their clash on Matchday 8 could determine the automatic qualifier.
- Libya and Angola remain in play for best second-place slot.
Group E – Morocco poised
- Morocco (15 pts) can clinch qualification with a win against Niger.
- Tanzania has slim chance to reach play-offs depending on results.
Group F – Ivory Coast vs Gabon drama
- Ivory Coast (16 pts) and Gabon (15 pts) set for a decisive head-to-head on Matchday 8.
- Winner likely qualifies directly; loser may reach play-offs.
Group G – Algeria favorites
- Algeria (15 pts) in strong position; only a slip-up could open door for Mozambique (12 pts).
- Botswana, Guinea, Uganda chasing play-off opportunity.
Group H – Tunisia edge
- Tunisia (16 pts) leading Namibia (12 pts); final two rounds crucial for confirmation.
- Second-placed team still has chance for play-off spot.
Group I – Ghana leads but not safe
- Ghana (15 pts) favorites; must navigate tough fixtures against Chad and Mali.
- Comoros, Madagascar, Mali still fighting for runner-up play-off slot.
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