The battle for Africa’s remaining tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies this week, with continental giants Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana all on the brink of sealing qualification.
With nine group winners guaranteed a place at next year’s expanded tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, every point now carries immense weight.
Morocco and Tunisia have already confirmed their spots, leaving seven automatic slots still up for grabs.
Record African champions Egypt appear closest to securing early qualification.
The Pharaohs, who top Group A by five points, can book their ticket with a win over Djibouti on Wednesday. Should they stumble, they’ll have another chance when they welcome Guinea-Bissau to Cairo on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Cape Verde are on the verge of making history. The island nation lead Group D and could reach their first-ever World Cup with victory against Libya on Thursday or at home to Eswatini next week.
Their closest rivals, Cameroon, must win both of their remaining fixtures and hope the Blue Sharks drop points.
In Group G, Algeria need just a draw against Somalia on Thursday to confirm their return to the global stage. The Desert Foxes will then host Uganda in Algiers to wrap up their campaign.
For Ghana, who sit atop Group I, the Black Stars will qualify for their fifth World Cup if they defeat the Central African Republic on Wednesday and Madagascar fail to beat Comoros. If results don’t go their way, Sunday’s home clash with Comoros could become a decider.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and Cameroon face mounting pressure as both traditional powerhouses risk missing out unless they string together vital wins in the final stretch.
The top four runners-up across all groups will move into the African play-offs, where one more team will earn a shot in the intercontinental qualifiers.
Gabon, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar are currently leading that secondary race ahead of the final two matchdays.
