David GOMBE
The African continent will learn the remaining seven slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the decisive phase this week.
Three continental heavyweights Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana among those looking to seal qualification before next Tuesday.
Africa is guaranteed nine places at the showpiece with the group winners in each group of the qualification campaign securing a ticket to next year’s expanded finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Morocco and Tunisia have already secured qualification, leaving seven automatic spots still up for grabs across the continent.
Egypt on the brink in Group A
Record African champions Egypt look poised to become the next nation to book their place at the finals. The Pharaohs lead Group A by five points and can confirm qualification with victory away to Djibouti on Wednesday.
The North Africans have dominated their group under Hossam Hassan, combining defensive stability with attacking flair.
Should they falter, they will have another opportunity when they host Guinea-Bissau in Cairo on Sunday.
Burkina Faso, their nearest challengers, face Sierra Leone and Ethiopia but would need a miracle to close the gap.
Cape Verde chasing a fairytale debut with one of the smallest nations, a win away from completing a remarkable journey to their first-ever World Cup.
The Blue Sharks sit four points clear of Cameroon in Group D after a stunning win over the Indomitable Lions last month.
A victory in Libya on Thursday or at home to Eswatini next Monday will seal qualification.
With a population of barely half a million, Cape Verde’s rise from regional minnows to global contenders stands as one of African football’s great modern stories.
Cameroon, however, remain in contention and must win both of their remaining matches away to Mauritius and home to Angola while hoping the islanders stumble.
Algeria and Ghana eye decisive victories
In Group G, Algeria need just one more point to confirm their return to the World Cup.
The Desert Foxes face bottom side Somalia on Thursday before hosting Uganda in Algiers.
After a strong qualifying run, Vladimir Petković’s team are expected to make light work of their remaining fixtures and join Morocco, Tunisia and potentially Egypt in representing North Africa in 2026.
In Group I, Ghana are closing in on their fifth World Cup appearance. The Black Stars top their group by three points and will qualify if they beat the Central African Republic on Wednesday and Madagascar fail to win against Comoros.
Should the race go down to the wire, Ghana’s home clash with Comoros on Sunday could decide their fate.
Two of Africa’s biggest footballing nations Nigeria and Cameroon face a nervous few days.
Nigeria, who have endured a turbulent campaign marred by off-field controversies and a FIFA sanction against rivals South Africa, must win both of their matches in Group C and hope other results go their way.
Cameroon, meanwhile, risk missing consecutive World Cups for the first time in over 30 years unless they produce a late surge.
