Wayne Lumbasi
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers reach their final stretch, Africa’s battle for the expanded nine spots has turned into one of the most gripping stories in global football. From the packed stadiums of Cairo to the roaring fans in Dakar, nations across the continent are fighting to make their dream of appearing on the world’s biggest stage a reality.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been granted nine direct qualification places for the tournament, along with a potential tenth through the intercontinental playoff. So far, only Morocco and Tunisia have secured their tickets, leaving seven places still open and a host of countries ready to make history.
In North Africa, Egypt are on the verge of confirming their place. The Pharaohs, unbeaten in their group, can qualify with a win against Djibouti if Burkina Faso fail to win their own match. Algeria are also close to a return, needing just a draw against Somalia to book their spot after missing out in 2022. For both nations, qualification would be a statement of dominance and consistency on the continental stage.
Further west, the competition is fierce and unpredictable. Ghana, four-time African champions, still have work to do. They must defeat the Central African Republic and hope results elsewhere go in their favor. Ivory Coast sit in a tight race of their own and will need to maintain their recent form to ensure qualification. Senegal, Africa’s top-ranked team, can seal their place if they win their remaining matches, continuing their impressive run since their strong showing in Qatar.
Perhaps the most inspiring story comes from Cape Verde, a small island nation on the brink of history. Once considered outsiders, they now stand one victory away from qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. Their rise has captured the imagination of fans across Africa, showing how determination and discipline can overcome even the smallest odds.
Elsewhere, continental giants Nigeria, Cameroon, and South Africa still have mathematical chances to qualify, but their paths are narrowing. Missed opportunities and unexpected draws have made every remaining fixture critical. For these footballing powerhouses, the pressure to deliver has never been greater.
With more African nations set to compete at the World Cup than ever before, the road to 2026 feels like a new chapter for the continent. Every pass, every save, and every goal carries the weight of a nation’s hope. The coming matchdays will decide not only who qualifies but also which teams rise as the new faces of African football.
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