The elimination process continues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, the world’s biggest football tournament.
In the African qualifiers, 9 group leaders will earn direct entry to the tournament. The results will be finalized after the last two weeks of matches are played.
EGYPT GUARANTEED TO QUALIFY IF NO SURPRISE OCCURS
Unless a surprise happens, Egypt looks set to lead its group. Winning just one of the remaining two matches will be enough. Although highly unlikely, Burkina Faso still has a chance to claim the top spot.
There is only a 2-point difference between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Senegal is the favored team, but even a small point swing could change the standings.
UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES IN GROUP C
Following a 3-point deduction for South Africa, Group C has become quite complicated. Almost all teams in the group still have a chance to lead.
Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa will compete for the top spot. Although the fixture advantage still favors South Africa, it is too early to declare the group winner.
The tournament’s surprise team, Cape Verde, has widened the point gap in Group D. Cameroon and Libya still have a slim chance.
MOROCCO AND TUNISIA HAVE ALREADY SECURED THEIR FINAL SPOTS
Morocco has completely dominated Group E. Last season’s semifinalists, with 7 wins in 7 matches, are signaling that they remain a very dangerous team in this tournament.
The last Afcon champion, Ivory Coast, is competing with Gabon for the top spot in Group F. Although the other teams have no chance, any result is possible in this rivalry between the two teams.
Although Uganda and Mozambique still have a chance, Algeria is expected not to make any major mistakes in securing the top spot in Group G.
In Group H, Tunisia has guaranteed the top position. Alongside Morocco, they are the second confirmed team to qualify for the tournament.
Finally, Ghana is leading Group I by 3 points. However, Madagascar and the Comoros are looking for opportunities to challenge them.
Out of the 48 teams that will participate in the main tournament, at least 9 teams from Africa will qualify. The group runners-up will compete in the playoffs to try and secure a second chance.