Ivory Coast and Senegal have clinched Africa’s last two automatic spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both teams celebrated victories on Tuesday.

Senegal secured a dominant 4-0 triumph at home against Mauritania, resulting in them topping Group B.

A free-kick from Sadio Mane just before half-time set the tone for the match, and he later added another goal, followed by a stunning effort from Iliman Ndiaye and a late goal from Habib Diallo.

The Teranga Lions ended their qualification round two points ahead of DR Congo, who managed a 1-0 victory over Sudan, thanks to a first-half goal from Theo Bongonda.

Meanwhile, Franck Kessie opened the scoring for Ivory Coast in their Group F match against Kenya, with young sensation Yan Diomande adding a second goal shortly after half-time.

Amad from Manchester United netted a beautiful free-kick to complete a 3-0 win for the Elephants in Abidjan.

This result allowed the reigning African champions to finish a point ahead of Gabon, who secured a 2-0 victory over Burundi in Franceville, with goals from Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina.

Ivory Coast managed to navigate their entire 10-match group stage without conceding a single goal, a remarkable feat shared only with Tunisia.

With their achievements, Ivory Coast and Senegal join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa in securing their places in next year’s World Cup finals.

An additional spot may be available, dependent on next month’s continental play-offs, where one team could qualify through an inter-confederation tournament scheduled for March.

Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria emerged as the top four-ranked second-placed teams across the nine groups, vying for the opportunity to represent Africa as the tenth participant at the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The Confederation of African Football has yet to disclose the date for the draw for the play-offs.