Africa’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its final hurdle this week in Morocco, where Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and DR Congo clash for one last continental play-off ticket.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has outlined five key rules for the decisive matches:
Extra time will be played if scores are level after 90 minutes, followed by penalties if needed.
Teams can make five substitutions in regulation time and a sixth during extra time, while VAR will oversee all major decisions.
The semi-finals kick off on 13 November. Nigeria face Gabon at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan at 16:00 GMT.
While Cameroon meet DR Congo at 19:00 GMT at Stade El Barid.
The winners will advance to the final on 16 November in Rabat.
CAF’s play-offs feature the four best runners-up from the group stage, determined by FIFA rankings.
The winner won’t book a direct ticket to North America but will advance to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, where six nations from different continents fight for two final World Cup slots.
For these four African powerhouses, the mission is simple — win in Morocco, survive the global play-offs, and secure a place at football’s biggest stage.
