The Africa World Cup 2026 qualifiers resume this week after a nine-month break.
As teams prepare for an intense series of matches, the stakes have never been higher for several prominent football powerhouses.
With only six rounds remaining in the 10-match group phase, this month’s fixtures could prove crucial in determining which teams will earn a spot in the prestigious tournament to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Key matchups and implications
A total of nine group winners will secure their entry into the finals, while the four best second-placed teams will have the opportunity to contend for a final place through play-offs.
Recent managerial shifts have added another layer of intrigue, with Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia among the countries welcoming new leadership ahead of these decisive matches.
Nigeria’s need for success
Among the continent’s football heavyweights, Nigeria stands out as a team desperate for immediate results. Currently winless in Group C, the Super Eagles find themselves four points adrift of leaders Rwanda.
Éric Chelle, now at the helm, is tasked with steering the squad back on course. As the first non-Nigerian African coach to lead the team, Chelle faces immense pressure to secure victories in their upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, both of which he describes as “must-win encounters, but my belief in this team remains steadfast.”
Star striker Victor Osimhen echoed this sentiment, expressing the team’s determination to qualify after failing to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mali’s potential revival and Ghana’s comeback quest
In Group I, Mali are looking to rekindle their World Cup dreams under new manager Tom Saintfiet, who replaced Chelle. With a four-point gap to close against group leaders Comoros, a strong showing in their upcoming match could shift momentum.
“We possess a remarkably talented group, and I’m optimistic about our chances,” told BBC Sport Africa.
On the other side of the spectrum, Ghana is eager to put behind a disappointing Afcon 2025 qualifying campaign as they face Chad and Madagascar. With Corentin Martins now in charge of Madagascar and Rigobert Song leading the Central African Republic, the competition promises to be fierce.
New era for Senegal and unfolding narrative for Sudan
Senegal, under the guidance of Pape Thiaw, is continuing its World Cup aspirations after an unbeaten Afcon 2025 qualifying run. Despite being two points behind surprise Group B leaders Sudan, Thiaw’s continuity from previous coaching heads lends stability to the team.
Injuries to key players Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye could pose challenges in their upcoming away game in Libyan Benghazi and the home match against Togo.
Amid ongoing conflict in the country, Sudan’s coach Kwasi Appiah has to rely heavily on the psychological aspects of coaching to maintain morale, keeping the team’s performance in focus.
Egypt and Tunisia: Qualifying contenders
Egypt commands a robust position at the top of Group A, with a four-point lead. Captain Mohamed Salah’s form will be pivotal as they prepare to take on Ethiopia and Sierra Leone, with former Inter Milan striker Mohammed Kallon now at the helm of the Sierra Leone team.
Likewise, Sami Trabelsi’s return to lead Tunisia has yielded positive results, with the Carthage Eagles sitting atop Group H by two points.
Reigning Afcon champions Ivory Coast hold a tight one-point advantage in Group F, while Benni McCarthy aims to steer Kenya toward its first World Cup qualification, focusing on closing the gap behind the Elephants.
Fierce competition in Group D and beyond
In Group D, Cameroon seeks to maintain its lead over Cape Verde and Libya, who recently appointed Aliou Cisse as their new coach, as the Indomitable Lions aim to extend their record of World Cup appearances.
Group G remains notably competitive, with the top five teams separated by just three points. As Algeria looks to solidify its position after a successful Afcon 2025 qualification, the pressures mount as they face Mozambique and Botswana.
Complex situations in Group E
Group E presents a convoluted scenario for Morocco, the continent’s top-ranked team enjoying a perfect record. However, the withdrawal of Eritrea and the suspension of Congo-Brazzaville has added complications to the fixture list. Should Congo-Brazzaville drop out, the strategy for determining play-off spots will require adjustments, heightening the significance of each match.
Eyes on FIFA and CAF
As the World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers unfold, all eyes are on FIFA and the Confederation of African Football for guidance on how to navigate the complexities of group standings and potential play-offs.
With every match carrying immense weight, the drama of the Africa World Cup 2026 qualifiers is poised to captivate fans as teams vie for glory on the world stage.
