The race for Africa’s final spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies this week as Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo face off in a high-stakes play-off series hosted in Rabat, Morocco. The semi-final matches are scheduled for Thursday, November 13, with the winners advancing to a final showdown on Sunday, November 16.
Key matchups include:
Nigeria vs Gabon: Nigeria, led by Victor Osimhen, who recently netted a hat-trick against Rwanda, are favorites to advance. Gabon counters with veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Vanguard.
Cameroon vs DR Congo: Cameroon’s hopes rest on Bryan Mbeumo, while DR Congo brings experience and physicality to the pitch The Punch.
The winner of Sunday’s final will earn a place in the intercontinental play-offs next March, joining teams from Central America/Caribbean, Bolivia, New Caledonia, and either Iraq or the UAE. Two World Cup slots are available from this pool Vanguard The Punch.
Nine African nations have already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia Vanguard.
The Rabat play-offs are being held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Osimhen’s arrival in camp earlier this week boosting Nigeria’s morale Free Malaysia Today Blueprint Newspapers Limited.
Sources:
Vanguard
The Punch
Free Malaysia Today
Blueprint Newspapers
