World Cup
Africa’s World Cup Race Heats Up: Crunch September Fixtures to Shape 2026 Qualification
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a decisive stretch this week as Africa’s qualifiers resume with two rounds of fixtures that could all but seal the fate of several contenders.
Between September 3 and 9, the seventh and eighth rounds will unfold across the continent, bringing teams closer to clarity in a marathon campaign that will ultimately deliver nine direct tickets to the expanded 48-team tournament in North America — and possibly a tenth through intercontinental play-offs.
At stake is not just history, but survival. With only group winners qualifying automatically, and four of the best second-placed teams advancing to an African play-off tournament, every match carries weight.
September’s double-header will give teams like Morocco and Egypt the chance to confirm their tickets early, while others, such as Nigeria and Cameroon, must claw their way back into contention.
Egypt Closing In, Morocco Poised for Early Seal
In Group A, Egypt have created daylight over Burkina Faso and could secure qualification if results fall their way.
The Pharaohs host Ethiopia before a crunch trip to Ouagadougou, where they may stamp their ticket.
In Group E, Morocco have the clearest path: a win against Niger would mathematically secure qualification, potentially making them the first African nation to book a seat at the 2026 finals.
Tight Races in Groups B, C, and D
Group B looks set for a three-horse race. Senegal, DR Congo, and Sudan are separated by a single point, with heavyweight clashes ahead — including Senegal hosting Sudan and then traveling to Kinshasa.
Group C is even more politically charged, with South Africa holding a five-point lead but still facing Nigeria in Bloemfontein, a fixture that could revive the Super Eagles’ stuttering campaign.
Meanwhile, Group D is shaping up for a decisive showdown in Praia, where Cape Verde and Cameroon will battle for control.
Heavyweights on Edge
Elsewhere, Algeria (Group G) and Ivory Coast (Group F) are expected to stay on course, though both face tricky fixtures that could delay celebrations.
Tunisia (Group H) maintain a cushion over Namibia, but the final round in Tunis may yet decide their destiny. Ghana, scarred by their AFCON elimination, are chasing redemption in Group I but must navigate a stern test against Mali.
The Stakes Beyond September
This qualifying format has sharpened competition: slip-ups can be fatal, and even second place is no guarantee of survival.
For example, in Group F, Gabon and Ivory Coast may both advance in some form, but only one can qualify directly.
In smaller groups like Morocco’s, second-placed teams risk being disadvantaged in the race for play-off slots.
As the dust settles on these two matchdays, some African giants could be celebrating early qualification, while others may find themselves pushed to the brink, relying on the last two rounds in October or even the perilous play-off route.
One thing is certain: this week will redraw the map of Africa’s World Cup journey — with both dreams and heartbreak in equal measure.
Group by Group Outlook: African World Cup Qualifiers
Group A – Egypt leads
- Egypt (16 pts) need a win over Ethiopia to edge closer to qualification; showdown with Burkina Faso on Matchday 8 could seal it.
- Burkina Faso (11 pts) aiming for one of four best second-placed spots for the play-offs.
Group B – Three-way contest
- DR Congo (13 pts), Senegal (12 pts), Sudan (12 pts) all in contention.
- Senegal-Sudan and DRC-Senegal fixtures will likely decide the group winner.
Group C – South Africa in command
- South Africa (13 pts) five points clear; victories over Lesotho and Nigeria could secure top spot.
- Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria fighting for play-off positions.
Group D – Cape Verde vs Cameroon showdown
- Cape Verde (13 pts) and Cameroon (12 pts) lead; their clash on Matchday 8 could determine the automatic qualifier.
- Libya and Angola remain in play for best second-place slot.
Group E – Morocco poised
- Morocco (15 pts) can clinch qualification with a win against Niger.
- Tanzania has slim chance to reach play-offs depending on results.
Group F – Ivory Coast vs Gabon drama
- Ivory Coast (16 pts) and Gabon (15 pts) set for a decisive head-to-head on Matchday 8.
- Winner likely qualifies directly; loser may reach play-offs.
Group G – Algeria favorites
- Algeria (15 pts) in strong position; only a slip-up could open door for Mozambique (12 pts).
- Botswana, Guinea, Uganda chasing play-off opportunity.
Group H – Tunisia edge
- Tunisia (16 pts) leading Namibia (12 pts); final two rounds crucial for confirmation.
- Second-placed team still has chance for play-off spot.
Group I – Ghana leads but not safe
- Ghana (15 pts) favorites; must navigate tough fixtures against Chad and Mali.
- Comoros, Madagascar, Mali still fighting for runner-up play-off slot.
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By KUNLE SOLAJA.
The silence from FIFA over South Africa’s use of an ineligible player against Lesotho in June’s World Cup qualifier has created a storm of speculation and tension in Group C.
With disciplinary decisions from that match window already released, the absence of any ruling on the Bafana Bafana case is being interpreted in some South African circles as a sign that the team may have escaped sanction.
Local analysis in South African media suggests that Lesotho’s failure to lodge a formal protest within 24 hours may have weakened its case.
Yet, FIFA’s history shows that the governing body has not always relied on formal protests before taking action.
One precedent stands out. In 2018, Nigeria were punished for fielding Shehu Abdullahi in a qualifier against Algeria, even though Algeria had not filed any complaint.
The 1-1 draw was overturned, and Nigeria forfeited the match. Similarly, in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, several African teams were sanctioned for eligibility breaches: Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde were both punished, with Cape Verde even disqualified from the play-offs after using an ineligible player against Tunisia.
Ethiopia also fell foul of the rules, while countries including Mali, Zambia, Morocco, Burkina Faso and Senegal were fined or warned for other forms of misconduct.
South Africa themselves are no strangers to FIFA sanctions. Defender Erick Mathoho once received an increased suspension and a fine for misconduct during the qualifiers.
Given this track record, the question is why FIFA has delayed its decision this time. Typically, eligibility cases are resolved before the next round of fixtures to avoid distorting the competition and undermining match integrity.
With crucial qualifiers looming this week, the lack of clarity risks undermining both the integrity of the tournament and the confidence of the competing teams.
For now, Bafana Bafana’s fate hangs in the balance—between South African optimism and the weight of FIFA’s precedents. The governing body’s eventual decision could yet reshape Group C.
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Rwanda’s national football team will land in Nigeria on Tuesday afternoon ahead of a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Super Eagles, set for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
A one-man advance party from Rwanda is expected in Lagos on Monday to finalise logistics, while the full delegation will touch down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard a Rwandair flight scheduled to arrive at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
From there, the team will head straight to Uyo, with their domestic flight expected to depart Lagos by 4:00 p.m.
The Matchday 7 clash is pivotal for both teams, as Group C of the African qualifiers remains delicately poised.
South Africa currently top the table with 13 points, though their position remains uncertain due to FIFA’s ongoing review of their alleged use of an ineligible player in a 1–0 win over Lesotho back in March.
Rwanda sit second with eight points — tied with Benin Republic — while Nigeria trail closely in fourth place with seven points. Lesotho follow on six, with Zimbabwe at the bottom on four points.
With FIFA’s ruling still pending, Saturday’s contest has taken on added importance, as both Nigeria and Rwanda seek to position themselves advantageously in case of a potential points deduction for South Africa.
A shift in standings could significantly alter the trajectory of the group’s qualification picture.
The encounter in Uyo marks a rematch of the Super Eagles’ 2–0 victory over the Amavubi in Kigali five and a half months ago during Matchday 5.
However, Rwanda will take confidence from their dramatic 2–1 comeback win against Nigeria at the same venue during the final round of 2025 AFCON qualification last November — a bittersweet result that ultimately didn’t secure them a tournament spot, as Benin edged them out for the second qualifying berth.
Looking ahead, Rwanda will host Zimbabwe on Matchday 8, while Nigeria must travel to Bloemfontein to face current group leaders South Africa.
Kickoff for Saturday’s match in Uyo is set for 5:00 p.m. local time, with fans and pundits alike eyeing what could be a decisive moment in the continent’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Nigeria has unveiled a 23-man squad for next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, with captain William Troost-Ekong and star striker Victor Osimhen leading the charge.
Also making the list are midfielders Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, alongside forwards Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers and Moses Simon. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his spot after his impressive displays at the Africa Cup of Nations, while defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel also feature.
Greece-based shot-stopper Adeleye Adebayo returns to the fold, joined by Unity Cup revelations Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks.
Forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who caught the eye during Nigeria’s 6th June friendly against Russia in Moscow, have also been rewarded with call-ups.
The Super Eagles will host Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein for a Matchday 8 clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana three days later on September 9.
Both fixtures are expected to be decisive in Nigeria’s push for a seventh World Cup appearance.
FINAL LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
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