The African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are set to resume with critical matches scheduled from 5 June to 11 June.
Teams will vie for spots in the global football event, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This World Cup marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams, including nine from Africa, with a possibility for a tenth African team to qualify through the intercontinental playoff.
CAFOnline.com highlights the top eight matches of Matchday 3 and 4 of the qualifiers:
- Nigeria vs. South Africa (June 7) On Friday, June 7, Nigeria will host arch-rivals South Africa in Uyo for their third-round match in Group C. The Super Eagles aim to revive their campaign, having secured just two points from their first two games last November. With improved form and a second-place finish at the recent AFCON, Nigeria is keen to capitalize on their home advantage. South Africa, second in the group with three points, will look to produce a shock to bolster their qualification hopes.
- Egypt vs. Burkina Faso (June 6) Egypt faces Burkina Faso in Cairo on Thursday, June 6, for their third-round match in Group A. The Pharaohs, seeking their third consecutive victory in the qualifiers, aim to extend their lead and widen the gap with second-placed Burkina Faso. With four points, Burkina Faso is poised to challenge Egypt and pull off an upset.
- Senegal vs. DR Congo (June 6) Senegal will host DR Congo on the same day, with the Lions of Teranga aiming to strengthen their position at the top of Group B. They hope to continue their steady march toward a place in the 2026 World Cup, while the Leopards are determined to avoid a negative result and stay in contention.
- Algeria vs. Guinea (June 6) Group G leaders Algeria, with six points, will welcome Guinea, who have three points, to the Nelson Mandela Stadium. Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic will make his debut at the helm of the Desert Foxes, while Guinea’s coach, Kaba Diawara, and his squad are intent on securing a positive outcome.
- Mali vs. Ghana (June 6) Mali, second in Group I with four points, faces a tough challenge as they host Ghana. Eager to return to form after a disappointing performance in the last Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana will look to test Mali in this crucial encounter.
- Côte d’Ivoire vs. Gabon (June 7) Africa Cup of Nations champions Côte d’Ivoire will seek to continue their impressive form and extend their lead in Group F when they host Gabon on Friday, June 7. This match promises to be highly competitive as both teams strive for dominance.
- Mauritania vs. Senegal (June 9) On Sunday, June 9, Mauritania, under the guidance of ambitious coach Amir Abdou, will host their neighbors Senegal for the fourth-round match in Group B. This West African derby promises excitement and fervor as both teams aim to strengthen their positions.
- Cameroon vs. Cape Verde (June 8) Cameroon will face Cape Verde on June 8 in Group D. The Indomitable Lions will look to assert their dominance and continue their strong campaign in the qualifiers.
All African teams understand the significance of the third and fourth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Every point is crucial in their journey to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As a result, teams are keen to navigate the June fixtures without any slip-ups.
