The final round of African World Cup qualifiers saw thrilling action, with Ghana officially booking their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With their qualification, five out of the nine automatic spots have now been claimed, leaving a fierce battle for the four remaining places.
Qualified Teams Confirmed: 5/9
Five African nations have successfully secured their automatic berths for the 2026 tournament.
Read: Emergency Landing Disrupts Nigeria’ World Cup Qualifier Preparation
The Race Heats Up: 4 Spots Left
The fight for the final four automatic qualification spots continues, with the following teams still in contention across their respective groups:
Group Contending Nations
Group B: Senegal, DR Congo
Group C: South Africa, Benin, Nigeria
Group D: Cape Verde, Cameroon
Group F: Ivory Coast, Gabon
Match Round Highlights
Ghana Seals Qualification with Narrow Win
Ghana 1–0 Comoros
The biggest headline of the weekend saw Ghana secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maintaining their impressive 25-year unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifiers.
A single goal from Mohammed Kudus in the 47th minute was enough to top Group I and send the Black Stars to their fifth appearance on the global stage. Coach Otto Addo’s side displayed composure and defensive solidity to see out the result, sparking celebrations in Accra.
Mali Finishes Strong, Misses Out
Mali 4–1 Madagascar
Mali ended their campaign with an emphatic display of attacking football, dismantling Madagascar 4-1 in Bamako. Lassine Sinayoko netted a brace, while Dorgeles Nene and Gaoussou Diarra also scored in the dominant victory. Despite the free-flowing attack, the Eagles finished third in Group I and narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
Dramatic Stoppage-Time Winner
Chad 2–3 Central African Republic
In a dramatic contest, the Central African Republic (CAR) edged Chad with a 93rd-minute winner from Karl Namnganda.
The CAR had taken a commanding two-goal lead through Delphin Mokonou and Venuste Baboula before Chad fought back to equalize. Namnganda’s late strike sealed a spirited finish to the qualifiers for Les Fauves.
Egypt Caps Unbeaten Campaign
Egypt 1–0 Guinea-Bissau
Group A winners Egypt finished their qualifying run unbeaten with a professional 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau.
Even with star player Mohamed Salah rested, the Pharaohs controlled the match, securing the victory thanks to a 10th-minute header from Mohamed Hamdy, assisted by Ahmed Koka.
Hossam Hassan’s side will now shift focus to preparing for the World Cup finals.
Burkina Faso Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
Burkina Faso 3–1 Ethiopia
A sensational hat-trick from second-half substitute Pierre Kabore powered Burkina Faso to a 3-1 victory over Ethiopia. Kabore scored in the 65th, 82nd, and 96th minutes, turning the tide of the game after a competitive opening hour.
The Stallions have now won five of their last six matches and await confirmation on whether their efforts will be enough to secure a playoff spot via the ranking of second-placed teams.
Niger Snatch Crucial Away Win
Zambia 0–1 Niger
Niger secured a vital 1-0 away win against Zambia in Ndola. Daniel Sosah scored the decisive goal early in the second half after an initial shot was parried.
Despite Zambia dominating possession, they could not break down Niger’s compact defense and were thwarted by an inspired goalkeeping performance from Mahamadou Tanja.
Niger finishes second in Group F and must now wait on results elsewhere to see if they qualify for the playoffs.