African World Cup Chaos: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
The race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up across Africa — and it’s going down to the wire. With the final group-stage games kicking off between October 8–14, only nine group winners will punch their ticket to the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Two giants, Morocco and Tunisia, have already secured their places. But for others — from Egypt to Nigeria — the battle is far from over.
Egypt Ready to Seal the Deal
Egypt are just one win away from joining the party. The Pharaohs sit five points clear in Group A and will qualify if they beat Djibouti on Wednesday. A shock loss would delay the celebration, but with Mohamed Salah and co. at full power, it’s hard to see that happening.
Burkina Faso still dream of a miracle, but they’ll likely need back-to-back wins to even make the play-offs.
Senegal in Control
In Group B, Senegal are leading the charge. After a stunning comeback win over DR Congo, Sadio Mané’s crew are one point clear at the top. Two more wins — away to South Sudan and at home against Mauritania — would lock in their third straight World Cup.
DR Congo and Sudan aren’t giving up yet, but they’ll need Senegal to slip up to have any real hope.
Chaos in Group C After South Africa’s Setback
The drama here is wild. South Africa lost their 2–0 win over Lesotho after FIFA ruled they fielded an ineligible player — turning it into a 3–0 defeat. Now Benin are top on goal difference, with Nigeria and Rwanda still alive.
Benin visit Rwanda and Nigeria next, while Bafana Bafana must win in Zimbabwe to stay in the fight. Nigeria? They have no margin for error.
Cape Verde’s Fairytale Run
Tiny Cape Verde are on the brink of history. Their shock 1–0 win over Cameroon means just one more victory — against Libya or Eswatini — will send them to their first-ever World Cup.
Cameroon and Libya still have mathematical hopes, but the Blue Sharks are one result away from making dreams come true.
The Rest of the Race
- Morocco are already through, chasing a perfect record.
- Ivory Coast lead Gabon by a single point in Group F — both still in the mix.
- Algeria need one more win to qualify from Group G.
- Tunisia are done and dusted, leaving Namibia to fight for second.
- Ghana hold the advantage in Group I but can’t relax with Madagascar and Comoros close behind.
After the group stage, the four best runners-up will enter African play-offs in November — with one final team earning a ticket via the intercontinental route.
It’s crunch time in Africa. Legends will rise. Dreams will break.
