The penultimate stage of Africa’s 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign has arrived, and the picture is beginning to sharpen. North Africa has dominated, with Tunisia and Morocco already booking their tickets, while Egypt and Algeria almost there. Elsewhere, traditional giants like Nigeria and Cameroon face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Here’s a full look at September’s CAF qualifying results.
Tunisia and Morocco Punch World Cup Tickets
North Africa sent three nations to Russia 2018, two to Qatar 2022, and now looks set to deliver four representatives in 2026. Tunisia and Morocco have already qualified, while Egypt and Algeria are one step away.
Tunisia are headed to their third straight World Cup after a professional qualifying campaign. They may lack superstar names, but their consistency stands out in a region known for volatility. A 7-1-0 record, including four straight wins this year, clinched Group H with two games to spare.
Morocco, 2022 semifinalists, remain a cut above the field. They breezed through Group I with a perfect 7-0 record, anchored by PSG’s Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz. They look primed to match their heroics from Qatar.
Egypt, led by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, are closing in on their fourth World Cup appearance. Undefeated at 6-3-0, they top Group A by five points over Burkina Faso. Two draws or a single win from their last two matches will be enough to clinch qualification.
Algeria are nearly there too, chasing a fifth World Cup berth. Riyad Mahrez and Saïd Benrahma from the Saudi Pro League headline a squad that sits 6-1-1 in Group G, four points clear of Uganda. A September win over Botswana was followed by a disappointing 0-0 against Guinea, but just one more victory will be enough to seal the deal.
South Africa Put Nigeria on the Brink
Group C has delivered the most drama. South Africa, who haven’t appeared on the big stage since hosting in 2010, are in pole position. Their 5-2-1 record, including a crucial home draw with Nigeria, leaves them three points clear of Benin. Built largely on domestic-based talent, this young squad—fresh off a third-place finish at AFCON 2023—have Zimbabwe and Rwanda left on the slate.
Benin (4-2-2, 14 points) remain alive, thanks to FC Augsburg’s Steve Mounié, and still control their fate with Nigeria and Rwanda left to play. Rwanda (3-2-3, 11 points) are hanging around, though outsiders. The biggest disappointment, though, is Nigeria. The Super Eagles (2-5-1, 11 points) have struggled to score despite boasting Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman up front. They scraped past Rwanda 1-0 but will need to win out—including a decisive final clash with Benin—to avoid a shock elimination.
Cape Verde, DR Congo, Gabon and Madagascar Chase History
Cape Verde are the feel-good story of qualifying. The island nation of under 600,000 stunned Cameroon this month, moving to 19 points (6-1-1) and one win away from their first-ever World Cup. Veteran captain Ryan Mendes and breakout forward Dailon Rocha Livramento continue to inspire belief.
Cameroon (4-3-1) now find themselves clinging to second place in Group D, just one point ahead of Libya. Despite the presence of Manchester United’s André Onana and Bryan Mbeumo, the Indomitable Lions look fragile.
In Group B, DR Congo nearly pulled off a famous upset over Senegal, leading 2-0 before collapsing to a 3-2 defeat. Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa had given them hope, but Senegal’s Premier League stars—Nicolas Jackson, Pape Matar Sarr, and Pape Gueye—turned it around. Senegal (5-3-0, 18 points) remain favorites for top spot, but DR Congo (16 points) are still well positioned for a playoff shot.
Group F has become a straight duel between Ivory Coast and Gabon. The 2023 AFCON champions Ivory Coast haven’t reached a World Cup since 2014, but they hold a one-point edge after a cagey 0-0 draw with Gabon. Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangaré and Villarreal’s Nicolas Pépé remain key figures. Gabon, led by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Galatasaray’s Mario Lemina, are dreaming of a first-ever World Cup berth. Marseille ‘s 36 year old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can also contribute for his country still.
Ghana, experienced but not yet qualified, top Group I at 6-1-1, three points ahead of Madagascar (5-1-2). Despite stumbling against Chad and scraping past Mali, the Black Stars—with Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham), and Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)—still control their path. Madagascar, inspired by Rayan Raveloson, are keeping the pressure on and could yet make history.
A Battle for the Playoff Places
The playoff picture is equally intriguing. Burkina Faso lead Sierra Leone in Group A, while Sudan are chasing DR Congo in Group B. Group D is a three-way fight between Cameroon, Libya, and Angola. In Group E, Tanzania, Niger, and Zambia are in contention. Group F will produce either Gabon or Ivory Coast, Group G is deadlocked between Uganda and Mozambique, and Namibia currently hold the edge in Group H. Madagascar and Comoros are both in the mix in Group I.
With two matchdays left, the stakes are sky-high. The top four group runners-up will join the nine group winners in a final four-team playoff, with one spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs on the line. What’s clear already: at least one of Africa’s traditional giants—Nigeria, Cameroon, or Ivory Coast—may miss out, while the continent looks poised to send a debutant to the 2026 World Cup.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images – Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse
