The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with CAF World Cup qualifiers returning this September after a six-month break. With just four matchdays left, several African national teams are just one step away from securing their spots in North America.
This guide gives you everything you need to know about the CAF World Cup 2026 qualifying standings, key fixtures, and which teams are closest to booking their place at the tournament.
🏆 How CAF World Cup 2026 Qualifying Works
- 9 groups of 6 teams each
- Only group winners qualify automatically for FIFA World Cup 2026
- 4 best second-placed teams enter the CAF play-off round
- The play-off winner will represent Africa in the FIFA intercontinental play-off tournament
📊 CAF World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Group-by-Group Breakdown
Group A Standings (as of August 2025)
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 16 |
| 2 | Burkina Faso | 11 |
| 3 | Sierra Leone | 8 |
| 4 | Ethiopia | 6 |
| 5 | Guinea-Bissau | 6 |
| 6 | Djibouti | 1 |
Upcoming Fixtures:
- 📅 5 Sept: Egypt vs Ethiopia
- 📅 9 Sept: Burkina Faso vs Egypt
Overview:
Egypt are in control and could secure qualification by beating Ethiopia and Burkina Faso—two teams they’ve already defeated in this campaign. Burkina Faso remain in the chase, while Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone aim to spring a late surprise.
Group B Standings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DR Congo | 13 |
| 2 | Senegal | 12 |
| 3 | Sudan | 12 |
| 4 | Togo | 4 |
| 5 | South Sudan | 3 |
| 6 | Mauritania | 2 |
Key Match:
- 📅 9 Sept: DR Congo vs Senegal
Overview:
Group B is one of the most competitive in the CAF World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Just 1 point separates the top 3. All eyes will be on the clash between Senegal and DR Congo, which could decide who qualifies.
Group C Standings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 13 |
| 2 | Rwanda | 8 |
| 3 | Benin | 8 |
| 4 | Nigeria | 7 |
| 5 | Lesotho | 6 |
| 6 | Zimbabwe | 4 |
Key Fixtures:
- 📅 6 Sept: Nigeria vs Rwanda
- 📅 9 Sept: South Africa vs Nigeria
Overview:
South Africa lead the group, but Nigeria, with star striker Victor Osimhen, have two must-win games that could turn the group around. Every match counts in this wide-open race.
Group D Standings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cabo Verde | 13 |
| 2 | Cameroon | 12 |
| 3 | Libya | 8 |
| 4 | Angola | 7 |
| 5 | Mauritius | 5 |
| 6 | Eswatini | 2 |
Key Fixture:
- 📅 9 Sept: Cabo Verde vs Cameroon
Overview:
Group D is heating up as Cabo Verde face Cameroon in a top-two showdown. Libya and Angola could still challenge with wins in their upcoming matches.
Group E Standings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morocco | 15 |
| 2 | Tanzania | 9 |
| 3 | Zambia | 6 |
| 4 | Niger | 6 |
| 5 | Congo | 0 |
Key Fixture:
- 📅 8 Sept: Zambia vs Morocco
Overview:
Morocco are unbeaten and could become the first African team to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026. The battle for second spot is still on between Tanzania, Zambia, and Niger.
Group F Standings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Côte d’Ivoire | 16 |
| 2 | Gabon | 15 |
| 3 | Burundi | 10 |
| 4 | Kenya | 6 |
| 5 | Gambia | 4 |
| 6 | Seychelles | 0 |
Key Fixture:
- 📅 9 Sept: Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire
Overview:
With just 1 point between them, the showdown between Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire could determine Group F’s winner. Gabon striker Denis Bouanga leads the scoring chart with 5 goals.
Group G Standings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algeria | 15 |
| 2 | Mozambique | 12 |
| 3 | Botswana | 9 |
| 4 | Uganda | 9 |
| 5 | Guinea | 7 |
| 6 | Somalia | 1 |
Key Fixture:
- 📅 4 Sept: Algeria vs Botswana
Overview:
Algeria could book early qualification with wins over Botswana and Guinea. Mozambique are still in the hunt for a historic first World Cup appearance.
Group H Standings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tunisia | 16 |
| 2 | Namibia | 12 |
| 3 | Liberia | 10 |
| 4 | Equatorial Guinea | 7 |
| 5 | Malawi | 6 |
| 6 | São Tomé & Príncipe | 0 |
Key Fixture:
- 📅 4 Sept: Tunisia vs Liberia
Overview:
Tunisia could qualify next month, but Namibia and Liberia are still in contention. Liberia’s improvement in this campaign makes their clash with Tunisia a must-watch.
Group I Standings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghana | 15 |
| 2 | Comoros | 12 |
| 3 | Madagascar | 10 |
| 4 | Mali | 9 |
| 5 | Central African Republic | 5 |
| 6 | Chad | 0 |
Key Fixture:
- 📅 8 Sept: Ghana vs Mali
Overview:
Ghana are peaking at the right time with back-to-back dominant wins. They’ll look to seal the group with a victory over Mali, who desperately need points. Comoros still dream of a World Cup debut.
🔥 Key Dates for CAF World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
- Matchday 7: September 3–6, 2025
- Matchday 8: September 7–9, 2025
- Final two matchdays: October 2025
📣 Conclusion: Who Will Qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 from Africa?
With only the group winners guaranteed a World Cup spot, every fixture in the coming weeks is critical. Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire are leading their groups and could clinch early qualification. But with four games left, anything can happen in African qualifying.