The African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are entering a critical phase with matchdays 5 and 6 scheduled for March 19-25. The stakes are high as nine group winners will secure direct qualification for the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Adding to the intensity, the four best second-placed teams will compete in a playoff for a potential intercontinental play-off spot, keeping the hopes of several nations alive. The upcoming fixtures promise a spectacle of footballing prowess, tactical battles, and national pride as teams fight for their chance to represent Africa on the world stage. Several groups present tight contests, setting the stage for dramatic finishes and potential upsets.
Group A sees Egypt comfortably leading with 10 points, putting them in a favorable position for qualification. However, Guinea-Bissau (6 points), Burkina Faso (5 points), and Sierra Leone (5 points) are all within striking distance and will be aiming to capitalize on any slip-ups by the Pharaohs. Ethiopia and Djibouti, trailing with 3 and 1 point respectively, face an uphill battle to remain in contention. Group B is another close contest with Sudan surprisingly leading with 10 points, closely pursued by reigning African champions Senegal (8 points) and DR Congo (7 points). The clash between Sudan and Senegal promises to be a pivotal encounter, with both teams aiming for a victory to solidify their position in the race for qualification.
Group C presents a fascinating three-way tie with Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin all on 7 points. Nigeria, considered a pre-tournament favorite, finds itself in a precarious position with only 3 points. The Super Eagles face a must-win situation against Rwanda and will need to rediscover their form to keep their qualification hopes alive. Group D is similarly tight with Cameroon (8 points) leading Libya and Cape Verde (both 7 points) by a slender margin. Angola, on 6 points, also remains in contention, ensuring a thrilling race to the finish line. Group E offers a unique scenario with Morocco leading with a perfect 9 points from three games, despite the withdrawal of Eritrea and the suspension of Congo. The implications of these withdrawals on the final standings and runner-up qualifications are still uncertain.
Group F showcases a captivating battle between Ivory Coast (10 points) and Gabon (9 points), with Burundi (7 points) and Kenya (5 points) still within reach. The Elephants’ encounters with Burundi and Gambia will be crucial in determining the group winner. In Group G, Algeria and Mozambique find themselves locked on 9 points each, followed by a cluster of teams – Botswana, Guinea, and Uganda – all on 6 points. This sets the stage for a potentially unpredictable finish with multiple teams vying for the top spot. Group H features Tunisia dominating with 10 points, but Namibia (8 points) and Liberia (7 points) remain close behind, ready to pounce on any opportunity.
Group I rounds out the qualifying groups with Comoros and Ghana both boasting 9 points, chased by Madagascar (7 points) and Mali (5 points). The race for the top spot is expected to be intense and will likely go down to the wire. Beyond securing a group win, several teams are also vying for the coveted positions among the best four runners-up. Currently, Ghana, Gabon, Mozambique, and Senegal hold these positions, offering them a second chance at qualification should they not win their respective groups. Namibia and South Africa are also in contention, highlighting the importance of every point earned in the upcoming matchdays.
The scheduled fixtures for Matchdays 5 and 6 promise excitement and drama across all groups. Key matches to watch out for include: Egypt vs Ethiopia (Group A), Sudan vs Senegal (Group B), Rwanda vs Nigeria (Group C), Cameroon vs Libya (Group D), Niger vs Morocco (Group E), Burundi vs Ivory Coast (Group F), Botswana vs Algeria (Group G), Liberia vs Tunisia and Tunisia vs Malawi (Group H), and Ghana vs Chad and Madagascar vs Ghana (Group I). These matches will be crucial in shaping the final standings and determining which nations will secure their passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The performances and results in these encounters will not only decide group winners but also significantly influence the ranking of the best second-placed teams, adding another layer of intrigue to the already captivating African qualifiers. With so much at stake, the upcoming matchdays are guaranteed to deliver a compelling spectacle of African football.
