The FIFA World Cup qualifiers Africa blend ambition, heartbreak, and breakthrough.
With the expansion to a 48-team World Cup in 2026, the continent now secures nine direct spots plus one possible via the inter-confederation play-off.
Morocco and Tunisia were the first two teams to book their tickets, and there will be more.
From Algeria’s 1982 near miracle to Cameroon, Ghana, and Morocco carrying the continent’s hopes, African teams have shaped football history.
Explore the CAF’s qualification legacy to the September 2025 fixtures and get up to speed on World Cup tickets, fixtures, and other qualifiers around the globe.
2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (UEFA) schedule
| Date | Fixture (Group) | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 3, 2025 | Seychelles vs Gabon (F) | Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, Saint Pierre (Mauritius) | 17:00 (UTC+4) |
| September 4, 2025 | Chad vs Ghana (I) | Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, N’Djamena | 14:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 4, 2025 | Madagascar vs Central African Republic | Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca (Morocco) | 17:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 4, 2025 | Mauritius vs Cabo Verde (D) | Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, Saint Pierre | 20:00 (UTC+4) |
| September 4, 2025 | Angola vs Libya (D) | Estádio 11 de Novembro, Luanda | 17:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 4, 2025 | Guinea-Bissau vs Sierra Leone (A) | Estadio 24 de Setembro, Bissau | 16:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 4, 2025 | Sao Tome vs Equarorial Guinea (H) | Honor Stadium, Oujda (Morocco) | 17L00 (UTC+1) |
| September 5, 2025 | Cameroon vs Eswatini (D) | Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé | 20:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 5, 2025 | Algeria vs Botswana (G) | Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium, Tizi Ouzou | 20:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 5, 2025 | Mali vs Comoros (I) | Berkane Municipal Stadium, Berkane (Morocco) | 19:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 5, 2025 | Tunisia vs Liberia (H) | Hammadi Agrebi Stadium, Tunis | 20:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 5, 2025 | Somalia vs Guinea (G) | Mandela National Stadium, Kampala (Uganda) | 15:00 (UTC+3) |
| September 5, 2025 | Kenya vs Gambia (F) | Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi | 16:00 (UTC+3) |
| September 5, 2025 | Namibia vs Malawi (H) | Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Francistown (Botswana) | 15:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 5, 2025 | South Sudan vs Congo DR (B) | Juba Stadium, Juba | 14:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 5, 2025 | Congo vs Tanzania (E) | Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat, Brazzaville | 17:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 5, 2025 | Djibouti vs Burikina Faso (A) | Estadio 24 de Setembro, Bissau | 16:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 5, 2025 | Uganda vs Mozambique (G) | Mandela National Stadium, Kampala | 19:00 (UTC+3) |
| September 5, 2025 | Lesotho vs South Africa (C) | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein (South Africa) | 18:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 5, 2025 | Benin vs Zimbabwe (C) | Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (Ivory Coast) | 16:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 6, 2025 | Mauritania vs Togo (B) | Nouadhibou Municipal Stadium, Nouadhibou | 19:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 6, 2025 | Ivory Coast vs Burundi (F) | Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan | 19:00 (UTC+3) |
| September 6, 2025 | Senegal vs Sudan (B) | Diamniadio Olympic Stadium, Diamniadi | 19:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 6, 2025 | Morocco vs Niger (E) | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | 19:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 6, 2025 | Egypt vs Ethiopia (A) | Cairo International Stadium, Cairo | 21:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 6, 2025 | Nigeria vs Rwanda (C) | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein (South Africa) | 17:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 7, 2025 | Central African Republic vs Comoros (I) | Honneur Stadium, Meknes (Morocco) | 17:00 (20:00 UTC+1) |
| September 8, 2025 | Equatorial Guinea vs Tunisia (H) | Estadio de Malabo, Malabo | 14:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 8, 2025 | Mozambique vs Botswana (G) | Estádio do Zimpeto, Maputo | 15:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 8, 2025 | Zambia vs Morocco (E) | Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola | 15:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 8, 2025 | Madagascar vs Chad (I) | Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca (Morocco) | 17:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 8, 2025 | Uganda vs Somalia (G) | Mandela National Stadium, Kampala | 19:00 (UTC+3) |
| September 8, 2025 | Guinea vs Algeria (G) | Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca (Morocco) | 17:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 8, 2025 | Malawi vs Liberia (H) | Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe | 18:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 8, 2025 | Guinea Bissau vs Djibouti (A) | Estadio 24 de Setembro, Bissau | 16:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 9, 2025 | Libya vs Eswatini (D) | 28 March Stadium, Benghazi | 21:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 9, 2025 | Ghana vs Mali (I) | Accra Sports Stadium, Accra | 19:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 9, 2025 | Kenya vs Seychelles (F) | Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi | 16:00 (UTC+3) |
| September 9, 2025 | Zimbabwe vs Rwanda (C) | Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg (South Africa) | 15:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 9, 2025 | Tanzania vs Niger (E) | Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar | 156:00 (UTC+3) |
| September 9, 2025 | Namibia vs Sao Tome and Principe (H) | Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Francistown (Botswana) | 15:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 9, 2025 | Sierra Leone vs Ethiopia (A) | Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Paynesville (Liberia) | 13:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 9, 2025 | Cabo Verde vs Cameroon (D) | Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde, Praia | 15:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 9, 2025 | Congo DR vs Senegal (B) | Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa | 17:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 9, 2025 | South Africa vs Nigeria (C) | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | 18:00 (UTC+2) |
| September 9, 2025 | Togo vs Sudan (B) | Stade de Kégué, Lomé | 16:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 9, 2025 | Burkina Faso vs Egypt (A) | State u 4 Aout Ouagadougou | 16:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 10, 2025 | Mauritania vs South Sudan (B) | Nouadhibou Municipal Stadium, Nouadhibou | 19:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 9, 2025 | Gabon vs Ivory Coast (F) | Stade de Franceville, Franceville | 20:00 (UTC+1) |
| September 10, 2025 | Gambia vs Burundi (F) | Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi (Kenya) | 22:00 (UTC+3) |
| September 10, 2025 | Benin vs Lesotho (C) | Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (Ivory Coast) | 19:00 (UTC+0) |
| September 10, 2025 | Angola vs Mauritius (D) | Estádio 11 de Novembro, Luanda | 20:00 (UTC+1) |
CAF FIFA World Cup qualifiers: An overview
African participation began with Egypt’s lone appearance in 1934, but progress was slow after that.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) pushed for more representation for decades as Africa was allotted just one slot.
By 2026, FIFA finally heeded their request, and CAF was given nine spots plus a playoff spot.
Then, CAF implemented a new format: nine groups of six.
Afterward, the winners qualify directly, and the best runners-up enter the playoffs.
On the other hand, the September 2025 qualifiers will see teams capable of shocking established powers.
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FIFA World Cup qualifiers CAF: Legendary campaigns in the past
The FIFA World Cup qualifiers, CAF, have produced unforgettable journeys that live on in football history.
One of the most iconic campaigns came in Cameroon’s road to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where the Indomitable Lions stormed through qualification.
Similarly, Senegal’s 2002 campaign was defined by resilience, as it qualified for its first-ever World Cup and went on to reach the quarterfinals.
Additionally, Ghana in 2006 also stands out – beating South Africa to book their debut ticket to Germany, where they reached the Round of 16.
Another special memory belonged to Egypt’s 2018 campaign.
Mohamed Salah’s last-minute penalty against Congo sent the Pharaohs back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification Africa: Groupings and standings
Group A
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 19 | |
| 2 | Bukina Faso | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 14 | |
| 3 | Guinea-Bisau | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 10 | |
| 4 | Sierra Leone | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 9 | |
| 5 | Ethiopia | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | |
| 6 | Djibouti | 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
Group B
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DR Congo | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2 | Senegal | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 15 | |
| 3 | Sudan | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 12 | |
| 4 | Mauritania | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | Eliminated |
| 5 | Togo | 7 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 | Eliminated |
| 6 | South Sudan | 7 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | Eliminated |
Upsets and shock eliminations in CAF qualifiers
The Africa FIFA World Cup qualifiers are renowned for their unpredictability, and history shows that no giant is safe.
One of the biggest shocks came when Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, falling behind Angola in the group standings.
Similarly, South Africa’s absence from the 2018 edition, following a poor run, showed how established football nations can falter.
Another unforgettable upset was the Ivory Coast missing out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, losing to Morocco at home.
Nonetheless, smaller nations have often played smaller roles: Zambia stunned Ghana in the 2012 qualifiers, while Cape Verde upset Tunisia in 2013.
However, Cape Verde was disqualified due to player eligibility issues.
Group C
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 16 | |
| 2 | Benin | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 11 | |
| 3 | Nigeria | 8 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 10 | |
| 4 | Rwanda | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 8 | |
| 5 | Lesotho | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | Cannot qualify directly |
| 6 | Zimbabwe | 7 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 | Cannot qualify directly |
Group D
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cabo Verde | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 16 | |
| 2 | Cameroon | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 15 | |
| 3 | Libya | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 14 | |
| 4 | Angola | 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 7 | |
| 5 | Mauritius | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | |
| 6 | Eswatini | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
FIFA Africa World Cup qualifiers: Star players who thrived on the big stages
The FIFA Africa World Cup qualifiers have once again spotlighted Africa’s most talented footballers.
First, Mohamed Salah continues to lead Egypt’s campaign with decisive goals and leadership, ensuring the Pharaohs stay among the top contenders.
In addition, Victor Osimhen of Nigeria, fresh off a golden run in Europe, has been lethal in front of goal, giving the Super Eagles hope in their group.
Then, Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech have carried Morocco with consistent brilliance since their exploits in the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
Moreover, Ilaix Moriba for Guinea, Simon Adingra for the Ivory Coast, and Lyle Foster of South Africa have shown that Africa’s next generation is ready to shine.
Group E
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morocco | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 2026 FIFA World Cup |
| 2 | Tanzania | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 | |
| 3 | Zambia | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 6 | |
| 4 | Niger | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | |
| 5 | Congo | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | |
| 6 | Eritrea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Group F
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivory Coast | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 16 | |
| 2 | Gabon | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 18 | |
| 3 | Burundi | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 10 | Cannot qualify directly |
| 4 | Gambia | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 | Eliminated |
| 5 | Kenya | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | Eliminated |
| 6 | Seychelles | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | Eliminated |
Morocco, Tunisia first African nations to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Morocco and Tunisia became the first African nations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their debuts in the September 2025 qualifiers.
Ismael Saibari completed a brace to lead Morocco’s 5-0 victory over Niger in Rabat on September 5, 2025, to win Group E.
Ayoub el Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi added a goal each to complete the Atlas Lions’ rout.
Next, Tunisia followed suit with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea three days later to lord over Group H.
Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane scored the lone goal of the match in added time as Tunisia qualified for the World Cup for a seventh time.
Group G
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algeria | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 19 | |
| 2 | Uganda | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 15 | |
| 3 | Mozambique | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 15 | |
| 4 | Guinea | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | |
| 5 | Botswana | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 9 | |
| 6 | Somalia | 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
What future awaits for African football after FIFA World Cup qualifiers CAF
African football is on the cusp of a new era. The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup format means more representation than ever before.
Additionally, this structural shift ensures that more African nations will gain World Cup experience, providing younger players with a platform to grow.
Similarly, Morocco’s historic semifinal run in 2022 has raised the ceiling of expectations, proving that African nations can compete against the world’s best.
With superstars like Salah and Mane passing the torch to emerging stars like Osimhen, Adingra, and Foster, Africa is building a sustainable football legacy.
For this reason, the foundations currently being laid out suggest that it’s no longer a far-fetched ambition for an African nation to dream of lifting the World Cup.
Group H
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tunisia | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 2026 FIFS world Cup |
| 2 | Namibia | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 12 | |
| 3 | Liberia | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | |
| 4 | Malawi | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 | |
| 5 | Equatorial Guinea | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 | |
| 6 | Sao Tome and Principe | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
Group I
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghana | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 19 | |
| 2 | Madagascar | 7 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 16 | |
| 3 | Comoros | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 15 | |
| 4 | Mali | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | |
| 5 | Central African Republic | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | |
| 6 | Chad | 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa: In retrospect
African football continues an inspiring ascent – from one-team representation to nine teams for 2026.
From Cameroon’s 1990 breakthrough to Morocco’s 2022 semifinals, African nations continue to challenge the global order.
With Morocco and Tunisia already in, expect more high-stakes matches at the September and October 2025 qualifiers.
Qualifiers across the continent are filled with drama, where established powers like Egypt and Nigeria battle rising challengers.
As nations battle for the remaining slots, Africa’s qualifiers shine as a stage for resilience and ambition.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and updates.
