Football: All African nations that have qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup and who can still reach global tournament in North America
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Algeria
Algeria had an impressive run in the CAF qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The Dessert Foxes finished at the top of Group G with an unassailable seven-point lead. Their shaky 2-1 home victory against Uganda on the last matchday of the qualifiers was them concluding the tournament on a high note.
Confirmation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup had already been secured by securing a 3-0 win over Somalia in the lead-up to that match. This marks their first appearance since 2014 and their fifth overall.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde, located off the West coast of Africa, was a surprise package in the CAF qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The Blue Sharks etched their name in history books by becoming the second smallest nation to feature in the global tournament. This also marks their debut after topping Group D with a four-point cushion.
On Monday, Bubista's men had no trouble thrashing Eswatini 3-0 at home on matchday ten. At the sound of the final whistle, their spot in the 2026 World Cup was confirmed.
Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire, regardless of their status, did not have it easy in their group. Despite maintaining an unblemished record in Group F (W8, D2), second-placed Gabon was on hot on their heels, and one mistake could've seen them finish as runners-up.
On matchday ten, it was a do-or-die clash against Kenya, and a point wouldn't have been enough to see them secure qualification. The Elephants understood the assignment as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.
Egypt
Egypt directly qualified for their fourth World Cup after an impressive performance in Group A. The Pharaohs concluded the competition with an unblemished record, winning eight and drawing two of their last ten matches, ensuring they secured the top spot with a five-point cushion. Their last appearance in the World Cup was in 2018.
Ghana
After making their first appearance in the World Cup in 2006, Ghana established themselves as a consistent performer, appearing in the next two editions before their absence in 2018. Otto Addo's men would then make their return in 2022. '
Their success in the CAF qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which saw them secure the top spot with a six-point cushion, means that they're gracing this tournament with their presence for the second consecutive time.
Morocco
Morocco is another powerhouse in African football, and that was evident in their qualifying matches. The Atlas Lions are the only nation that concluded the qualifiers with a 100% win record. Thanks to this feat, they finished at the top of Group E with an insurmountable nine-point cushion.
Walid Regragui's charges are appearing in the World Cup finals for the third consecutive time. Notably, they are tied on seven appearances with Tunisia and Nigeria, the second-highest tally behind Cameroon.
Senegal
Senegal secured the top spot in Group B of the CAF qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The Lion of Teranga's qualification was not yet confirmed until Tuesday's final qualifier match against Mauritania. Led by the charismatic Sadio Mane, they recorded a commanding 4-0 victory at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade.
Pape Thiaw's side have participated in the last three World Cup editions after missing out in 2014.
South Africa
South Africa have made their return to the world's biggest football stage. After becoming the first African nation in history to host the competition back in 2010, Bafana Bafana had been missing in action for 16 years. It wasn't an easy feat to achieve, considering the tough competition they had to go through in their group and the docking of points. Despite all of that, they finished at the top of Group C with 18 points from ten games.
On Tuesday, under the bright lights of Mbombela Stadium, Hugo Broos' side recorded a decisive 3-0 victory over Rwanda, which confirmed their participation in next year's World Cup.
Tunisia
Tunisia won nine of their last ten matches in Group H of the CAF qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. This was enough for the Carthage Eagles to top the group, earning them a spot in the biggest football stage for the third consecutive time.
Last call for the Play-offs- Who's got the edge?
For the nations that couldn't secure direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their destiny now lies in their hands in the play-offs. From the nine teams that finished as runners-up in their groups, only the best four have been selected, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The play-offs will run from 13 to 16 November 2025, with Morocco hosting the tournament. This includes two semi-finals and one final, meaning there can only be one winner! However, that doesn't guarantee a spot in the upcoming World Cup, but it takes them directly to the inter-confederation play-off tournament, which will be held in Mexico for the final test.
Between Nigeria and Cameroon, who have a rich history on the world's biggest football stage, all eyes will be on them to deliver one of their best performances. The reality is that one of these African giants won't feature in North America next year.
