2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a monumental event, and the journey to qualification is already underway.
For the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the stakes are higher than ever, with nine direct slots and one inter-confederation play-off slot up for grabs.
Here’s everything you need to know about the CAF qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF
The CAF Executive Committee announced a new qualification format to accommodate the increased number of slots. Teams are drawn into nine groups of six teams each.
The winner of each group will directly qualify for the World Cup, while the four best group runners-up will participate in play-offs to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
| Category | Details |
| Tournament Dates | 15 November 2023 – 18 November 2025 |
| Number of Teams | 53 (from 1 confederation) |
| Matches Played | 103 |
| Goals Scored | 243 (2.36 per match) |
| Attendance | 835,981 (8,116 per match) |
| Top Scorers | Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Trézéguet (Egypt) – 5 goals each |
| Qualification Slots | 9 direct spots, 1 inter-confederation play-off spot |
| Format | – Nine groups of 6 teams; home-and-away round-robin matches |
| – Group winners qualify directly for the World Cup | |
| – Best 4 group runners-up enter play-offs for inter-confederation play-off spot | |
| Round Dates | First Round: 15 Nov 2023 – 25 March 2025 |
| Second Round: 10–18 November 2025 |
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification – CAF Schedule
The qualification matches are scheduled to take place from November 2023 to November 2025. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- Matchday 1: 15-18 November 2023
- Matchday 2: 19-21 November 2023
- Matchday 3: 5-8 June 2024
- Matchday 4: 9-11 June 2024
- Matchday 5: 19-22 March 2025
- Matchday 6: 23-25 March 2025
- Matchday 7: 1-9 September 2025
- Matchday 8: 6-14 October 2025
- Matchday 9: 10-18 November 2025 (Semi-finals)
- Matchday 10: 10-18 November 2025 (Finals).
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification – CAF Stats
The CAF qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is ongoing, with 53 teams competing. Key stats include 103 matches played, 243 goals scored, and an average attendance of 8,116.
The qualification format has nine groups, with group winners advancing directly, and the top four runners-up entering play-offs.
Senegal, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire are among the top contenders. Nigeria and Tunisia have the most CAF qualification victories, while Cameroon has the highest win percentage.
Notable upcoming fixtures include Egypt vs. Burkina Faso, Senegal vs. Congo DR, and Côte d’Ivoire vs. Guinea-Bissau on June 6, 2024.
Read also: 2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets: How to Secure Your Spot Early?
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification CAF Groups
| Group | Teams |
| Group A | Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Djibouti |
| Group B | Senegal, Sudan, Congo DR, Togo, Mauritania, South Sudan |
| Group C | Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, South Africa, Benin |
| Group D | Cameroon, Cape Verde, Angola, Eswatini, Libya, Mauritius |
| Group E | Morocco, Tanzania, Niger, Zambia, Congo, Chad |
| Group F | Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Seychelles, Burundi |
| Group G | Algeria, Mozambique, Botswana, Guinea, Somalia, Uganda |
| Group H | Tunisia, Namibia, Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Malawi |
| Group I | Mali, Ghana, Central African Republic, Comoros, Madagascar, Malawi |
Exciting Matches to Watch
The qualification process promises thrilling matches as teams battle it out for a spot in the World Cup. Key fixtures to watch include:
- Senegal vs. Congo DR: A clash of titans in Group B.
- Egypt vs. Burkina Faso: A crucial match in Group A.
- Nigeria vs. Lesotho: An exciting encounter in Group C.
How to Follow the Action?
Fans can stay updated on the latest results, fixtures, and standings by visiting the official FIFA website. Additionally, CAF qualifying matches will be streamed live on FIFA+, allowing fans to watch the action unfold in real-time.
FAQs
Did Canada qualify for the World Cup 2026?
Canada, Mexico, and the United States automatically qualifying as hosts
How will teams qualify for World Cup 2026?
UEFA gets 16 slots, CAF 9, AFC 8, CONMEBOL and CONCACAF 6 each, OFC 1, with 2 spots decided through intercontinental playoffs.
How many African teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Nine
Will Ronaldo be in the 2026 World Cup?
UEFA secures 16 spots, CAF gets 9, AFC has 8, CONMEBOL and CONCACAF each have at least 6, OFC gets 1, and 2 spots will be decided via intercontinental playoffs.
Conclusion
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is paved with excitement, challenges, and opportunities for African teams. With a new qualification format and increased slots, the competition is fiercer than ever.
Stay tuned to witness history in the making as CAF teams vie for their place on the world stage.
