The final phase of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers concluded on Tuesday, with Ivory Coast, Senegal, and South Africa clinching top spots in their respective groups to complete the list of nine automatic qualifiers for next year’s global showpiece.
In Abidjan, Ivory Coast produced a commanding 3-0 victory over Kenya to edge Gabon by a single point in Group F. Captain Franck Kessié opened the scoring in the seventh minute before teenage sensation Yankuba Diomande doubled the lead in the second half. Amad Diallo sealed the win with a stunning free-kick late in the game, capping off a rain-soaked but triumphant night for the Elephants.
Meanwhile, in Dakar, Sadio Mané led Senegal to a dominant 4-0 win against Mauritania, striking twice as the Teranga Lions comfortably topped Group B ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Iliman Ndiaye and Habib Diallo added to the tally in a confident display that reaffirmed Senegal’s continental pedigree.
In Nelspruit, South Africa overcame a three-point deduction to top Group C following a 3-0 victory over Rwanda. Early goals from Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa secured the win, while Nigeria’s 4-0 rout of Benin, inspired by a Victor Osimhen hat-trick, helped the Bafana Bafana reclaim first place on goal difference. The points penalty—issued after fielding a suspended player earlier in the qualifiers—will now likely fade into memory as South Africa celebrated their first World Cup qualification since hosting the 2010 tournament.
Elsewhere, Morocco and Tunisia had already booked their places last month, while Egypt and Algeria confirmed qualification last week. Ghana and Cape Verde sealed their spots earlier this week with home wins.
Morocco closed their campaign with a 1-0 win over Congo, maintaining a perfect record and setting a new benchmark with 16 consecutive victories in World Cup qualifying. Algeria, led by Mohammed Amoura’s brace of late penalties in a 2-1 win over Uganda, finished their Group G campaign with 25 points, as Amoura climbed to the top of the African scoring charts with 10 goals.
The conclusion of the group stage also determined the four best runners-up — Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria — who will compete in next month’s African playoff round. The winner of that mini-tournament will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March, where the continent’s final World Cup berth will be decided.
With powerhouse performances and emotional comebacks across the continent, Africa’s World Cup race has once again showcased the region’s growing football strength and fierce competitive spirit.
