2026 World Cup: Seven African Spots Still Up For Grabs As Qualifiers Reach Final Stretch

The race to secure places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up across Africa, with only Morocco and Tunisia already guaranteed spots at the expanded 48-team tournament.

Seven 2026 World Cup slots remain open as the group stage concludes between Wednesday, October 8, and Tuesday, October 14.

Egypt, Cape Verde, and Algeria are on the brink of sealing qualification, while continental giants Nigeria and Cameroon are in danger of missing out.

Note that only group winners will qualify automatically, with the four best-ranked runners-up advancing to play-offs for a chance at the intercontinental qualifiers.

In Group A, Egypt are within touching distance, holding a five-point lead over Burkina Faso. Victory away to Djibouti would confirm their place. Cape Verde are also close to history in Group D, needing just one win from fixtures against Libya or Eswatini to book a maiden World Cup ticket.

Senegal tops Group B after a dramatic comeback against DR Congo and will qualify with two wins over South Sudan and Mauritania. In Group G, Algeria need just one win from matches against Somalia and Uganda to secure progression.

Meanwhile, Naija News reports that Nigeria face a must-win scenario in Group C after South Africa’s sanction over an ineligible player handed Benin the advantage. The Super Eagles will need maximum points and favourable results elsewhere to stand a chance.

Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Gabon also remain in contention, while the final play-off picture is far from clear. Much will depend on the last two matchdays, with even sixth-placed finishes affecting how second-placed teams are ranked.