World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Egypt, Morocco Close In as Nigeria Battles Survival

As the race for Africa’s spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up, Egypt and Morocco are just a step away from securing qualification, while Nigeria faces the threat of an early elimination. With four rounds left, the battle remains tight across the nine groups.

Group-by-Group Breakdown

Group A – Egypt in Command

• Standings: Egypt lead Burkina Faso by five points.
• Key Matches: Egypt vs Ethiopia; Burkina Faso vs Djibouti.
• Outlook: A maximum points haul could seal Egypt’s third World Cup appearance.

Group B – Three-Way Battle

• Standings: DR Congo, Senegal, and Sudan are separated by just one point.
• Key Matches: Senegal vs Sudan; Senegal vs DR Congo; Sudan vs Togo.
• Outlook: Senegal face crucial fixtures, while Sudan chase their first-ever World Cup amid conflict at home.

Group C – Nigeria on the Brink

• Standings: South Africa top with 13 points; Nigeria sit fourth with seven.
• Key Matches: Nigeria vs Rwanda; Nigeria vs South Africa.
• Outlook: Nigeria must win both games to stay in contention. A FIFA ruling on South Africa’s use of an ineligible player could alter the standings.

Group D – Cape Verde vs Cameroon

• Standings: Cape Verde lead Cameroon by one point.
• Key Matches: Cape Verde vs Cameroon; Cape Verde vs Mauritius; Cameroon vs Eswatini.
• Outlook: Cape Verde are chasing a historic first qualification, while Libya and Angola remain in the mix.

Group E – Morocco Dominant

• Standings: Morocco boast a perfect five wins from five.
• Key Matches: Morocco vs Niger; Morocco vs Zambia; Tanzania vs Congo-Brazzaville.
• Outlook: Atlas Lions could be the first African team confirmed for the 2026 tournament.

Group F – Ivory Coast vs Gabon

• Standings: Ivory Coast lead Gabon by one point.
• Key Matches: Gabon vs Ivory Coast in Franceville; Ivory Coast vs Burundi; Ivory Coast vs Seychelles.
• Outlook: A fierce contest as both sides push to return to the World Cup after long absences.

Group G – Algeria Closing In

• Standings: Algeria three points ahead of Mozambique with a better goal difference.
• Key Matches: Algeria vs Botswana; Algeria vs Guinea; Mozambique vs Uganda; Mozambique vs Botswana.
• Outlook: Fine margins could decide the play-off places.

Group H – Tunisia in Control

• Standings: Tunisia four points clear of Namibia.
• Key Matches: Tunisia vs Liberia; Tunisia vs Equatorial Guinea; Namibia vs Malawi; Namibia vs Sao Tome e Principe.
• Outlook: Tunisia could qualify early, though Equatorial Guinea’s appeal may alter the table.

Group I – Ghana Targets Redemption

• Standings: Ghana lead by three points, Comoros trail closely, Mali further behind.
• Key Matches: Ghana vs Chad; Ghana vs Comoros; Comoros vs Mali.
• Outlook: Ghana could qualify with two games to spare, making up for their absence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.