The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Africa is heating up as teams prepare for matchdays 5 and 6 of the qualifiers, starting on Wednesday, March 19. With nine group winners earning automatic qualification and four best runners-up competing for a playoff spot, the stakes are high for every team.
Egypt Dominates Group A
Egypt currently leads Group A with 10 points from four matches, ahead of Guinea-Bissau with six points. Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone are closely following with five points each, while Ethiopia and Djibouti are at the bottom of the group. Egypt, a powerhouse in African football history, will face Ethiopia on March 21 to extend their lead.
Sudan and Senegal in a Tight Battle in Group B
Sudan is at the top of Group B with 10 points, closely followed by Senegal with 8 points and DR Congo with 7 points. A crucial match between Sudan and reigning African champions Senegal on March 22 will be a significant test for both teams. Sudan’s head coach remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of every match as they aim for a spot in the World Cup.
Group C remains highly competitive, with Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin all tied with seven points each. Nigeria, a team with high expectations, is currently in fifth place with only three points. The Super Eagles will need to step up their game as they face Rwanda in a must-win match on March 21.
Cameroon leads Group D with eight points, closely followed by Libya and Cape Verde with seven points each. Angola is also in contention with six points. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for all teams as they battle for the top spot in the group.
Morocco is leading Group E with a perfect record of nine points, despite off-field disruptions with the withdrawal of Eritrea and the suspension of Congo. The impact of these developments on qualification remains uncertain, but Morocco will face Niger on March 21 in a bid to maintain their lead.
In Group F, Ivory Coast is ahead with 10 points, followed closely by Gabon with 9 points. Burundi and Kenya are still within reach of the top spot in the group. Ivory Coast will play against Burundi on March 21 before facing Gambia on March 24 in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Algeria and Mozambique are tied at the top of Group G with nine points each, while Botswana, Guinea, and Uganda are not far behind with six points. The upcoming match between Algeria and Botswana on March 21 could have significant implications for the group standings.
Tunisia remains undefeated in Group H with 10 points, leading Namibia with 8 points and Liberia with 7 points. Tunisia’s head coach emphasized the importance of every match as they aim for qualification. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for all teams in the group.
In Group I, Comoros and Ghana are both in strong positions with nine points each, followed closely by Madagascar and Mali. Ghana’s next match against Chad on March 21 will be a crucial moment in their quest for qualification.
As the competition intensifies, Ghana, Gabon, Mozambique, and Senegal currently hold the top spots among the best-ranked second-placed teams. Namibia and South Africa are still in contention for a spot in the mini-tournament for intercontinental play-offs.
Stay tuned for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Africa as teams battle it out for a chance to compete in the prestigious tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.