🏆 Introduction
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up across Africa. With only two matchdays remaining, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers have delivered drama, surprises, and standout performances. Nine group winners will qualify directly, while the four best runners-up will enter a playoff for a potential tenth spot via inter-confederation playoffs.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each group after the September international window.
🇪🇬 Group A: Egypt in Control, Burkina Faso Still Fighting
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 20 |
| 2 | Burkina Faso | 15 |
| 3 | Sierra Leone | 12 |
Egypt continues to dominate Group A, maintaining a five-point lead after a 2-0 win over Ethiopia. Burkina Faso must win their final two games and hope Egypt drops points to stand a chance.
🇸🇳 Group B: Senegal’s Comeback Win Shakes the Table
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senegal | 18 |
| 2 | DR Congo | 16 |
| 3 | Sudan | 12 |
Senegal pulled off a stunning 3-2 away win over DR Congo, coming back from 2-0 down in Kinshasa. With that result, they now lead the group and are favorites to qualify. DR Congo must win their final games and hope Senegal slips.
🇿🇦 Group C: South Africa Leads, Benin and Nigeria Chase
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 17 |
| 2 | Benin | 14 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 11 |
South Africa held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw and beat Lesotho to stay ahead. Benin’s 4-0 win over Lesotho keeps them in contention. Nigeria must win both remaining matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere.
🇨🇻 Group D: Cape Verde Closing In, Cameroon Under Pressure
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape Verde | 19 |
| 2 | Cameroon | 15 |
| 3 | Libya | 14 |
Cape Verde’s surprise 1-0 win over Cameroon has them on the brink of qualification. With matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda ahead, four points could be enough. Cameroon must win out and hope Cape Verde slips.
🇲🇦 Group E: Morocco Already Qualified
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morocco | 21 |
| 2 | Tanzania | 10 |
| 3 | Niger | 9 |
Morocco has officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, showcasing dominance with a 5-0 win over Niger. The Atlas Lions are heading to their seventh World Cup.
🇨🇮 Group F: Ivory Coast vs Gabon – Neck and Neck
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivory Coast | 20 |
| 2 | Gabon | 19 |
A goalless draw between the two sides kept the standings tight. With both teams in strong form, the final fixtures will be decisive. Gabon’s Denis Bouanga remains a standout performer.
🇩🇿 Group G: Algeria Leads, Uganda and Mozambique Close
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algeria | 19 |
| 2 | Uganda | 15 |
| 3 | Mozambique | 15 |
Algeria’s superior goal difference gives them the edge, but Uganda and Mozambique are still in the hunt. The final matchday could see a dramatic finish.
🇹🇳 Group H: Tunisia Secures Spot
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tunisia | 22 |
| 2 | Namibia | 15 |
Tunisia clinched qualification with a last-minute win over Equatorial Guinea. Despite off-field controversies, their unbeaten run has earned them a spot in North America.
🇬🇭 Group I: Ghana Leads, Madagascar and Comoros Close
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghana | 19 |
| 2 | Madagascar | 16 |
| 3 | Comoros | 15 |
Ghana’s consistency keeps them ahead, but Madagascar and Comoros are strong contenders for the playoff route. Expect fireworks in the final fixtures.
🔥 Best Runners-Up: Playoff Contenders
| Rank | Team | Points | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabon | 19 | F |
| 2 | Madagascar | 16 | I |
| 3 | DR Congo | 16 | B |
| 4 | Burkina Faso | 15 | A |
These teams are currently in line for the playoff spots, but the margins are razor-thin. Every goal and point will count in October.
📌 Conclusion
With Morocco and Tunisia already qualified, the remaining seven direct qualification spots are fiercely contested. October’s final matchdays will be decisive, and the playoff race adds another layer of intensity. Africa’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
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