Africa’s Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Current Standings and Results
As of the six completed matchdays, updated to 25 March 2025, nine African nations have already secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These teams qualified by finishing top of their respective CAF groups in what has been one of the most competitive African qualification campaigns in recent memory.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Format and Stakes
CAF’s qualification structure for the expanded World Cup involves 53 nations split into nine groups of six. Each group winner earns automatic qualification. Meanwhile, the four best second-placed teams will enter the CAF play-offs, with the winner progressing to the inter-confederation play-off to fight for one of the final global spots.
It’s worth noting that Eritrea withdrew from Group E before the qualifiers began, while the Republic of Congo faced a temporary suspension due to governance issues. Several of their matches were forfeited to opponents before FIFA lifted the suspension, although their points tally meant they could no longer qualify.
Group by Group Highlights
Group A – Egypt in Control
Egypt sits comfortably at the top with 16 points and a superior goal difference. Burkina Faso follows with 11 points, while Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Guinea-Bissau remain well off the pace. Djibouti sits at the bottom with just one point.
Group B – Tight Race Between Three
DR Congo leads this competitive group with 13 points, just one ahead of both Senegal and Sudan. With three matchdays left, the margin for error is slim and any of the top three could still top the group.
Group C – Bafana Bafana Make a Statement
South Africa are the first African nation to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They top Group C with 13 points, bolstered by victories over Lesotho, Benin, and Zimbabwe. Rwanda and Benin are level on 8 points, while Nigeria trails on 7. South Africa’s consistent home form and resilient performances away have put them in a commanding position.
Group D – Cape Verde Narrowly Ahead
Cape Verde leads with 13 points, followed closely by Cameroon on 12. The battle for top spot is likely to continue into the final group matches, with both nations boasting strong squads and solid results thus far.
Group E – Morocco Unbeaten
Morocco has a perfect record, topping the group with 15 points and an impressive goal difference. Niger and Tanzania share second place on six points. The suspension of the Republic of Congo initially disrupted the group’s momentum, but Morocco’s consistency has been unaffected.
Group F – Ivory Coast Hold the Edge
Ivory Coast leads the way with 16 points and a healthy goal difference. Gabon remains close on 15 points, while Burundi sits in third with 10. The group could go down to the wire as both leaders are separated by a single point.
Group G – Algeria with the Upper Hand
Algeria has taken command of this group with 15 points. Mozambique is not far behind on 12 points, while Botswana and Uganda are tied on nine. Algeria’s clinical finishing has given them the edge heading into the final stretch.
Group H – Tunisia Steady and Strong
Tunisia leads with 16 points, remaining unbeaten. Namibia and Equatorial Guinea follow closely with 13 and 12 points, respectively. The North Africans have looked assured and are favourites to secure qualification.
Group I – Ghana Powering Through
Ghana has established dominance with 15 points and a solid goal difference. Comoros trails with 12 points and Madagascar has 10. Ghana’s attacking prowess has been evident throughout the qualifiers.
African Countries That Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The nine group winners that have officially booked their tickets to the World Cup are Egypt, DR Congo, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana.
South Africa’s early qualification has been a standout story, underlining Bafana Bafana’s resurgence on the international stage. With just one defeat and a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the team looks well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in 2026.
What’s Next
Matchdays 7 to 9 are scheduled for September and October 2025. Following that, the four best group runners-up will contest the CAF play-offs in November, with the ultimate winner earning a place in the inter-confederation play-off.
Africa’s qualification campaign continues to provide drama, excitement, and hope. With five months to go, all eyes remain on the final places still up for grabs and whether any surprises still lie ahead.
Related article: The Road to 2026 World Cup: How Many Teams Will Qualify from Each Continent?
