Here are key details such as start date, qualified countries, and possible fixtures to know ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs for Africa.
Following a dramatic conclusion to the fixtures played in group C of the World Cup qualifiers for Africa, here are key details such as fixtures, qualified countries and start date fans should know ahead of this round of the qualifiers, called the playoffs.
CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2026 World Cup Africa Playoffs
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Morocco will stage the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs, a decisive mini-tournament that will determine the continent’s final representative in the intercontinental play-offs next year.
The competition is set to kick off with the semi-finals on November 13, 2025, followed by the final on November 16, 2025. All matches will take place in Morocco, continuing the country’s growing reputation as a hub for major football events on the continent.
2026 World Cup playoffs (Africa): Qualified Countries and Playoff Format
The tournament will bring together the four best second-placed teams from the nine CAF qualifying groups after Matchday 10 in October 2025. Based on current standings, Gabon (16 pts), Nigeria (15 pts), Cameroon (15 pts), and Burkina Faso (15 pts) are leading contenders, while DR Congo and Madagascar also remain in contention depending on the final group-stage results.
CAF confirmed that the October 2025 FIFA World Rankings, to be released on October 23, 2025, will determine seeding for the playoff draw. Under the format, the top-ranked team will face the fourth-best, while the second and third-ranked nations will meet in the other semi-final.
In the event of a draw, matches will go into extra time, followed by penalties if needed. Each team will be allowed five substitutions, with a sixth available during extra time.
Road to the World Cup
The winner of the Moroccan playoffs will advance to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, where they will take on opposition from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF for Africa’s tenth and final ticket to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
For teams like Nigeria, who sealed their playoff berth with a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin, and Gabon, who currently top the list of runners-up, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With heavyweights such as Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and DR Congo also eyeing the final spot, the November playoffs promise to deliver drama, intensity, and high-quality football as Africa’s best battle for one last shot at World Cup qualification.