7 African Nations That Could Join Morocco, Tunisia at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Seven places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain up for grabs as African qualifying enters its final stretch between 8 and 14 October. 

With Morocco and Tunisia already confirmed, the remaining continental giants, including Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, and Algeria, are all fighting to join them in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Only the nine group winners will automatically qualify, while four best runners-up head to play-offs for a final shot at the global stage.

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Egypt stand on the brink of sealing their return to the World Cup, needing just one more victory to secure top spot in Group A. 

The Pharaohs, who last qualified in 2018, have a commanding five-point lead over Burkina Faso and travel to Djibouti on Wednesday, a team that has collected just a single point from eight matches. A win would guarantee Egypt’s ticket to North America.

If Egypt slip up in Djibouti, they still have the safety net of a home tie against Guinea-Bissau on Sunday. Their dominant form and solid defense have made them clear favorites, but complacency at this stage could be costly. For coach Rui Vitória, the message will be simple — finish the job.

Burkina Faso, meanwhile, are expected to take second spot but will need maximum points against Sierra Leone and Ethiopia to stay in contention for a play-off slot. 

Both Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau retain slim mathematical chances, though the focus is clearly on Egypt’s impending qualification celebration.

Senegal’s comeback win over DR Congo last month has put them in pole position in Group B. The African champions, boasting stars like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly, now hold a one-point lead at the summit. They face South Sudan away on Friday before hosting Mauritania, knowing two victories will book their place at a third straight World Cup.

The pressure remains, however, with DR Congo lurking just behind. The Leopards must beat both Togo and Sudan while hoping Senegal stumble. For coach Aliou Cissé, maintaining focus after their dramatic victory will be crucial in avoiding any last-minute slip.

Sudan are still in the mix, but only just. They must win both of their matches and hope the Teranga Lions lose twice — a tall order. Realistically, second place looks the best outcome for the North-East Africans, but with play-off pathways available, every point still matters.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes have been complicated by an administrative setback that reshuffled Group C. Following FIFA’s ruling that South Africa’s win over Lesotho was overturned due to an ineligible player, Benin now top the group on goal difference, with Bafana Bafana second and Nigeria trailing by three points.

The Super Eagles, who have missed just one World Cup since 1994, now face a must-win away tie in Lesotho before hosting Benin. Even with six points, their fate could depend on goal difference or other results. For a nation with such a rich football heritage, failing to reach 2026 would be unthinkable.

South Africa, meanwhile, have regained momentum and need two solid results — away to Zimbabwe and home to Rwanda — to stay in the hunt. Benin’s fixtures against Rwanda and Nigeria will decide whether this becomes one of the most dramatic group finales in African qualifying history.

Cape Verde have emerged as Africa’s surprise package. Their 1-0 victory over Cameroon last month gave them a four-point cushion at the top of Group D. The Blue Sharks now need just one more win from their final two fixtures — away to Libya and home to Eswatini — to qualify for their first-ever World Cup.

With fewer than 530,000 inhabitants, the Atlantic Ocean nation is on the verge of sporting history. Their disciplined defense and counterattacking style have frustrated bigger teams, while their unity has been a defining feature of their campaign.

Cameroon, however, are not done yet. The Indomitable Lions must win away in Mauritius and at home to Angola and hope Cape Verde falter twice. Libya, just one point behind Cameroon, could also sneak in if results go their way — a thrilling three-way fight that epitomizes African qualifying drama.

Reigning African champions Ivory Coast lead Group F by a single point over Gabon after their stalemate in Franceville last month. The Elephants face Seychelles away before hosting Kenya, knowing six points will seal top spot.

Gabon’s hopes hinge on winning both of their remaining games — away to The Gambia and at home to Burundi — while praying the Ivorians slip. Should they miss out on automatic qualification, their record makes them strong contenders for the play-offs.

For Ivory Coast, this campaign has been about consistency and recovery following their triumphant AFCON run. The core of Sébastien Haller, Franck Kessié, and Simon Adingra have ensured balance between defense and attack — qualities they’ll need on the grandest stage.

Algeria are on course to secure their fifth World Cup appearance, holding a four-point cushion in Group G. They need only one win from matches against Somalia and Uganda to clinch qualification. With Riyad Mahrez leading the charge, the Desert Foxes have combined flair with defensive solidity.

Uganda and Mozambique are locked in a fierce battle for second, level on points and desperate to snatch a play-off berth. Uganda’s trip to Botswana and away test in Algeria will define their campaign. Mozambique, meanwhile, will look to take full points against Guinea and Somalia.

Algeria’s consistency under Djamel Belmadi has been a defining factor. Their balance, tactical discipline, and goal-scoring power make them firm favorites to wrap up qualification without much drama.

Ghana are close to securing another World Cup appearance, sitting three points clear in Group I. A win away to Central African Republic on Wednesday, combined with Madagascar failing to collect three points, would confirm their place.

Madagascar and Comoros, however, are still in the race. The Malagasy visit Mali after facing Comoros, while the islanders travel to Ghana for a potentially decisive final-day clash. Every game counts in this tight group.

The Black Stars, four-time African champions, have recovered from recent inconsistencies to edge toward qualification. With their mix of youth and experience, Ghana are eager to restore pride after their group-stage exit at Qatar 2022 — and return as one of Africa’s strongest representatives at the 2026 World Cup.