The race for Africa’s remaining seven tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches an important stage this week, with Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, and Algeria all within the highlight because the penultimate matchday guarantees defining moments throughout the continent.
Whereas Ghana, Egypt, and Algeria lead their respective teams and will seal qualification earlier than subsequent Tuesday, continental heavyweights Nigeria and Cameroon face make-or-break fixtures.
Something wanting victories for Nigeria ams Cameroon of their away journeys might imply their desires of computerized qualification will fade into play-off or elimination relying on outcomes elsewhere.
With solely 9 group winners assured computerized passage to the expanded finals in Canada, Mexico, and the US, and Morocco and Tunisia already certified, seven golden spots stay fiercely contested.
We take a look at the breakdown of what to anticipate because the Matday 9 of the CAF FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to start on this Wednesday all by Friday .
Egypt on the Brink in Group A
File African champions Egypt are on the verge of confirming their place on the finals.
The Pharaohs lead Group A by 5 factors and might guide their ticket with victory away to Djibouti on Wednesday.
Beneath coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt have blended defensive self-discipline with attacking aptitude all through the marketing campaign.
Ought to they stumble in Djibouti, a house conflict in opposition to Guinea-Bissau in Cairo on Sunday affords a backup probability to complete the job.
Their nearest challengers, Burkina Faso, should win huge in opposition to Sierra Leone and Ethiopia whereas hoping for an Egyptian collapse — a state of affairs that appears more and more unlikely.
Cape Verde Chasing Fairytale Debut
Tiny Cape Verde are only one win away from finishing certainly one of African soccer’s best fashionable tales — a first-ever World Cup qualification.
The Blue Sharks, who shocked Cameroon final month, sit 4 factors clear in Group D.
Victory in Libya on Thursday or at dwelling to Eswatini subsequent Monday would seal their historic qualification.
Cameroon, in distinction, are below immense strain. The Indomitable Lions should win each remaining matches — away to Mauritius and at dwelling to Angola — whereas hoping Cape Verde slip up.
Failure would mark one other disappointing chapter for a nation with wealthy World Cup pedigree.
Algeria and Ghana Eye Decisive Victories
In Group G, Algeria are some extent away from confirming their return to the worldwide stage.
The Desert Foxes, guided by Vladimir Petković, face backside facet Somalia on Thursday earlier than internet hosting Uganda in Algiers. Something wanting qualification could be a significant shock.
