African teams resume hunt for World Cup spots
The journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup is intensifying for African nations with the start of pivotal qualifying matches over the next one week.
Eswatini will host Cameroon on Wednesday to kick off several critical fixtures across the continent, with Liberia also in action against Tunisia. The Central African Republic welcomes Madagascar in Group I, where both are in contention for the top spot.
The expanded tournament, set to feature 48 teams, offers the Confederation of African Football (CAF) nine guaranteed spots, with a potential tenth via intercontinental playoffs.
The format has opened doors for nations that have never qualified before. Countries like Comoros, Rwanda, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Gabon, and Mozambique have all produced impressive qualifying campaigns.
With only group winners securing direct qualification and the four best runners-up fighting for a playoff spot, each match carries immense weight as teams strive to secure their place on football’s grandest stage.
SELECTED FIXTURES
Wednesday
Eswatini vs Cameroon (Group D)
Liberia vs Tunisia (Group H)
Central African Republic vs Madagascar (Group I)
Thursday
Sierra Leone vs Guinea-Bissau (Group A)
Zimbabwe vs Benin (Group C)
Cape Verde vs Mauritius (Group D)
Libya vs Angola (Group D)
Gabon vs Seychelles (Group F)
Gambia vs Kenya (Group F)
Mozambique vs Uganda (Group G)
Malawi vs Namibia (Group H)
