race to 2026 FIFA World Cup — a marathon that began two years ago with 206 nations — has reached its decisive stage. With 48 slots available in the expanded tournament, the final round of qualifiers is producing the kind of drama only football can script.
Across the continents, tension is building. Nineteen teams have already booked their places in North America, and Africa has contributed four of them so far: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and most recently, Algeria, who sealed qualification with a 3–0 win over Somalia on October 9.
Africa will send nine nations directly to the tournament, with one more heading into an intercontinental playoff. And with just a few matchdays left, the race for those final spots has turned into a thrilling finish.
Group C: Benin in the Driver’s Seat, Giants Under Pressure
Controversy continues to shape the continent’s most unpredictable group. South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in March was overturned after suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded, throwing Group C wide open. Rwanda and Lesotho have since bowed out, but Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria remain in the hunt.
Benin —are still chasing a first-ever World Cup appearance — lead the standings and could seal history with a win in Nigeria. A draw might also be enough, provided South Africa fail to win or make up the goal difference gap.
Cameroon and Cape Verde Locked in a Tight Finish
Cameroon were handed a lifeline when Libya held Cape Verde to a draw on Wednesday. It means the Indomitable Lions can still qualify if they beat Angola at home and Cape Verde drop points against winless Eswatini.
Cape Verde, on the other hand, were left fuming after a poor offside call denied them victory — and early qualification — in midweek. Still, their fate is in their own hands: win at home, and the “Blue Sharks” will be heading to the World Cup for the first time.
Ghana, Senegal, and Egypt Poised to Cross the Line
For Gana, the equation is simple. A single point against Comoros on Sunday will confirm their place in North America, though even defeat might not derail them thanks to their healthy goal difference over Madagascar.
Senegal, the reigning African champions, are also on the brink. A home victory over Mauritania will do it, but even a draw should suffice unless DR Congo produce a miracle and erase a seven-goal deficit.
In Group A, Egypt are cruising. The Pharaohs sit five points clear of Burkina Faso with two games to spare — one win or two draws will seal their ticket.
Gabon and Ivory Coast: A Tale of Fine Margins
Gabn kept their dreams alivelyn spectacular fashion on Friday, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring all four goals in a 4–3 comeback win over Gambia. “Les Panthères” must now beat Burundi and pray Ivory Coast fail to win against Kenya. Anything less, and the dream ends.
Ivory Coast, though, hold the cards. Their 7–0 demolition of Seychelles last week left them needing just a home win over Kenya to make it official. A slip-up, however, could swing the door wide open for Gabon.
Elsewhere: Long Shots and Final Hopes
DR Congo remain in the chase but face an uphill climb. They must beat Sudan and hope Senegal stumble — or overturn a seven-goal gap if Senegal draw.
Madagascar’s path is even narrower. They must beat Mali, hope Ghana lose to Comoros, and somehow erase an eight-goal deficit. It would be one of African qualifying’s great shocks if they pull it off.
South Africa’s route is clear but tricky. They must defeat Rwanda and hope Benin drop points in Nigeria. If Benin draw, the outcome could come down to goal difference — a cruel decider after a turbulent campaign.
As the final whistle approaches across the continent, Africa’s qualifying drama has delivered everything — from controversy, comebacks, heartbreaks, and historic dreams. For some teams, it’s about reclaiming lost glory; for others, it’s a chance to announce themselves to the world.
Either way,the road to 2026 is proving to be one of the most gripping chapters in African football’s modern histor
