2026 FIFA World Cup: Egypt, Morocco Close In as African Qualifiers Heat Up

The race for African spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its decisive phase, with Egypt and Morocco edging closer to sealing qualification for the global tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

With just four rounds left, several countries remain locked in fierce competition, while Nigeria faces the threat of an early elimination. Here’s a group-by-group look at the standings and key fixtures:

Group A – Egypt in Control

Standings: Egypt lead Burkina Faso by five points.

Key Matches: Egypt vs Ethiopia; Burkina Faso vs Djibouti.

Outlook: Two wins could all but guarantee Egypt a spot at their third World Cup.


Group B – A Tight Three-Way Race

Standings: DR Congo, Senegal, and Sudan are separated by a single point.

Key Matches: Senegal vs Sudan; Senegal vs DR Congo; Sudan vs Togo.

Outlook: Senegal face a decisive month, while Sudan chase a historic first-ever World Cup appearance despite domestic turmoil.


Group C – Nigeria on the Brink

Standings: South Africa lead with 13 points; Nigeria sit fourth with seven.

Key Matches: Nigeria vs Rwanda; South Africa vs Nigeria.

Outlook: Nigeria must win both games to survive. A ruling on South Africa’s ineligible player could reshape the group.


Group D – Cape Verde vs Cameroon

Standings: Cape Verde hold a one-point lead over Cameroon.

Key Matches: Cape Verde vs Cameroon; Cape Verde vs Mauritius; Cameroon vs Eswatini.

Outlook: Cape Verde could make history, but Libya and Angola remain outsiders.


Group E – Morocco Near the Finish Line

Standings: Morocco perfect with five wins in five.

Key Matches: Morocco vs Niger; Morocco vs Zambia; Tanzania vs Congo-Brazzaville.

Outlook: Atlas Lions could become the first African side to officially qualify.


Group F – Ivory Coast vs Gabon Showdown

Standings: Ivory Coast lead Gabon by a single point.

Key Matches: Gabon vs Ivory Coast; Ivory Coast vs Burundi; Ivory Coast vs Seychelles.

Outlook: A fierce battle between two nations hungry for a World Cup return.


Group G – Algeria in Strong Position

Standings: Algeria three points clear of Mozambique with superior goal difference.

Key Matches: Algeria vs Botswana; Guinea vs Algeria; Mozambique vs Uganda; Mozambique vs Botswana.

Outlook: Every point matters in the push for qualification and potential play-offs.


Group H – Tunisia on Course

Standings: Tunisia four points ahead of Namibia.

Key Matches: Tunisia vs Liberia; Equatorial Guinea vs Tunisia; Namibia vs Malawi; Namibia vs Sao Tome e Principe.

Outlook: Tunisia are close to sealing qualification, but Equatorial Guinea’s appeal could complicate matters.


Group I – Ghana in Command

Standings: Ghana lead by three points; Comoros trail, Mali lag behind.

Key Matches: Ghana vs Chad; Ghana vs Comoros; Comoros vs Mali.

Outlook: Ghana could confirm their ticket on home soil with two games to spare, making amends for their AFCON 2025 miss.