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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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who told him he welcomed Iran’s participation in the 2026 Soccer World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Iran was the only nation missing from a FIFA planning summit for World Cup participants held last week in Atlanta, deepening questions over whether the country’s soccer team will compete on U.S. soil this summer amid an escalating regional war.
Trump told Politico earlier that he is not concerned about Iran’s participation, as they were a “very badly defeated country”.
“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026,” soccer’s world governing body, FIFA, boss Infantino said in a post on his official social media account.
“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.
“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World.”
Iran secured a trip to a fourth successive World Cup by topping Group A in the third round of Asian qualifying last year, but Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said the viciousness of the attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces did not augur well for the World Cup, to be held from June 11 to July 19.
The Iranians were grouped with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G. Their matches are scheduled to take place in the U.S., two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
If both the U.S. and Iran finish second in their respective groups, the two countries could meet in a July 3 elimination match in Dallas.
-Reuters
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A delegation from FIFA has begun a crucial inspection tour across Spain, Portugal and Morocco to evaluate preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The two-week tour, which started on March 9, forms part of FIFA’s evaluation process ahead of the official announcement of host stadiums scheduled for December 2026.
The inspection mission, conducted in collaboration with the national football federations of the three countries, is aimed at assessing stadium infrastructure, organisational readiness and logistical arrangements across the candidate host cities.
Spain and Portugal First Stops
The FIFA delegation began its tour in Spain, where it visited major stadium facilities in Barcelona and Madrid. Officials inspected venues and reviewed ongoing infrastructure works as part of the preparations for the historic centenary tournament.
After completing the Spanish leg of the inspection, the delegation proceeded to Portugal before concluding the tour in Morocco.
Reports from the inspection indicate that FIFA officials were impressed by the progress of the redevelopment of Camp Nou in Barcelona, highlighting the importance of stadium readiness in the final selection of host venues.
Morocco’s Candidate Cities Under Review
The final stage of the inspection will take place in Morocco, where FIFA officials will assess stadiums and facilities in six candidate host cities.
In Casablanca, the delegation will review the construction progress of the proposed Grand Stade Hassan II, which is expected to seat about 115,000 spectators and is being considered as a possible venue for the tournament final.
Other Moroccan venues scheduled for inspection include the Complexe Moulay Abdellah in Rabat and the Grand Stade de Tanger, which is currently undergoing expansion.
Existing stadiums in Marrakech, Agadir and Fès are also being renovated and upgraded to meet FIFA’s technical and safety standards.
Key Areas of Assessment
During the inspection, FIFA officials are evaluating several critical areas including stadium safety, VIP facilities, media operations, transport infrastructure and accommodation capacity for teams, officials and supporters.
Morocco has already embarked on several major projects to strengthen its readiness for the tournament.
These include the implementation of an integrated security system featuring facial recognition technology, surveillance drones and a specialised judicial framework designed to manage large-scale sporting events.
On the administrative side, the Moroccan authorities have established the Morocco 2030 Foundation to coordinate development projects linked to the tournament.
Race to Host the Final
One of the most closely watched aspects of the 2030 World Cup preparations is the competition between Morocco and Spain to host the tournament’s final match.
With the construction of the massive Grand Stade Hassan II and ongoing stadium upgrades across the country, Morocco is positioning itself strongly to host several knockout-stage matches, including potentially the final.
FIFA officials say the ongoing inspection tour is a critical step in ensuring that all candidate cities meet the organisation’s requirements for hosting the global showpiece.
Findings from the two-week inspection will form part of FIFA’s technical evaluation report, which will influence the final decision on host venues expected to be announced in December 2026.
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FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the World Cup is “too big” and that the 2026 tournament will go on as planned despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas on Monday, Schirgi was specifically asked about Iran, whose participation in the World Cup is uncertain due to the war waged on the country by Israel and the United States.
“At some stage, we will have a resolution, and the World Cup will go on, obviously,” Schirgi said, per NBC 5 in Dallas. “The World Cup is too big, and we hope that everyone who has qualified can participate.”
Schirgi said that FIFA is monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely while working with federal and international partners to evaluate daily developments.
FIFA said last week that it is keeping an eye on events in Iran just months ahead of the start of the World Cup in June. Iran qualified for the tournament through its participation in the Asian Football Conference.
Iran is scheduled to play Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G. Two of the games are set for Los Angeles, one in Seattle. Schirgi said that FIFA has been in contact with Iran’s soccer federation but declined to provide details of those conversations.
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 nations competing across three countries. The United States will host games in 11 cities, Mexico in three and Canada in two.
FIFA officials were in Dallas for the announcement of plans for the city’s fan festival, with the International Broadcast Centre inside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center still under construction. Schirgi said the IBC will operate around the clock during the World Cup and is expected to bring between 3,000 and 3,500 media members to Dallas.
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