African Giants Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa Qualify for 2026!

Africa’s football giants rise on a thrilling final day

It was a night of fireworks across the continent as Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and South Africa all punched their tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria, Congo DR, and Gabon booked spots in next month’s CAF Play-Off Tournament.

Senegal on fire

Senegal turned Diamniadio into a festival with a 4–0 demolition of Mauritania. Sadio Mané curled in a beautiful free-kick before doubling the lead early in the second half. Iliman Ndiaye then danced through defenders to make it three, and Habib Diallo finished the job with style.
The Lions of Teranga are roaring back to the World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire cruise to victory

In Abidjan, Les Éléphants showed no mercy to Kenya, winning 3–0.
Franck Kessié fired home early, Yan Diomende added a stunning second, and Amad Diallo sealed it with a clinical strike.
Côte d’Ivoire are heading to their fourth World Cup in five editions — mission complete.

South Africa’s big party

Thanks to Nigeria’s victory, South Africa only needed a win to make history — and they delivered in Mbombela.
Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa all scored in a confident 3–0 triumph over Rwanda.
The Bafana Bafana are back on football’s biggest stage after 16 long years.

Osimhen’s hat-trick masterclass

Nigeria produced one of the best attacking shows of the campaign, hammering Benin 4–0.
Victor Osimhen scored three brilliant goals, while Frank Onyeka added a late volley.
The Super Eagles now head into the Play-Offs full of momentum.

Congo DR grind it out

Congo DR beat Sudan 1–0, with Theo Bongonda finding the net after 29 minutes.
They narrowly missed direct qualification but secured their Play-Off Tournament spot — still in the hunt for a World Cup dream.

Gabon’s late show

In Franceville, Gabon left it late to see off Burundi 2–0. Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina struck in the final minutes to wrap up a strong finish to their campaign.

Africa’s World Cup race isn’t over — it’s only heating up.

Play-Offs next month will decide who joins the qualified giants under the global spotlight.