The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies this week as African nations enter a crucial phase of qualification. With matchdays five and six set to define the landscape, competition remains fierce for a coveted spot in North America.
Only the group winners will secure direct qualification, while the four best runners-up will battle for a playoff berth. With giants like Egypt, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, and Morocco leading the way, the likes of Nigeria and Ghana find themselves under immense pressure to stay in the race.
Group A: Egypt Look to Extend Lead as Burkina Faso Fight Back
Egypt remain the frontrunners in Group A, boasting an unbeaten record led by star forward Mohamed Salah. With support from Mahmoud Trezeguet, the Pharaohs are eyeing six crucial points against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.
Burkina Faso, who endured a slow start, must capitalize on their fixture against Djibouti to keep qualification hopes alive. Guinea-Bissau, sitting in second, will need a strong performance to challenge Egypt’s dominance.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Burkina Faso vs Djibouti
- Sierra Leone vs Guinea-Bissau
- Ethiopia vs Egypt
- Guinea-Bissau vs Burkina Faso
- Egypt vs Sierra Leone
- Ethiopia vs Djibouti
Standings:
- Egypt – 10 pts
- Guinea-Bissau – 6 pts
- Burkina Faso – 5 pts
- Sierra Leone – 5 pts
- Ethiopia – 3 pts
- Djibouti – 1 pt
Group B: Sudan and Senegal Clash in Pivotal Battle
Group B presents a top-of-the-table showdown between Sudan and Senegal, with the Lions of Teranga, led by Sadio Mane, trailing their rivals by two points. Their upcoming clash could be decisive in determining the group’s fate.
DR Congo, still in contention, must secure victories against South Sudan and Mauritania, while Togo remain winless and face an uphill battle.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- DR Congo vs South Sudan
- Togo vs Mauritania
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Mauritania vs DR Congo
- Senegal vs Togo
- Sudan vs Senegal
Standings:
- Sudan – 10 pts
- Senegal – 8 pts
- DR Congo – 7 pts
- Togo – 3 pts
- South Sudan – 2 pts
- Mauritania – 1 pt
Group C: Nigeria in Crisis as Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Lead
One of the most competitive groups sees Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin tied on seven points each. Nigeria, shockingly languishing in fifth place with just three points, must win against Rwanda to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
South Africa, buoyed by their AFCON success, will look to consolidate their position with wins over Lesotho and Benin.
Standings:
- Rwanda – 7 pts
- South Africa – 7 pts
- Benin – 7 pts
- Lesotho – 5 pts
- Nigeria – 3 pts
- Zimbabwe – 2 pts
Group D: Cameroon Seek to Pull Away
Eight-time World Cup qualifiers Cameroon lead Group D but face stiff competition from Libya and Cape Verde. A win over bottom-placed Eswatini could provide some breathing space at the top.
Angola, unbeaten in AFCON qualifiers, are another potential disruptor in the group.
Standings:
- Cameroon – 8 pts
- Libya – 7 pts
- Cape Verde – 7 pts
- Angola – 6 pts
- Mauritius – 4 pts
- Eswatini – 0 pts
Group E: Morocco in Command as Eritrea’s Exit Shakes the Group
Morocco have dominated with three wins from three, making them strong favorites for direct qualification. However, Niger and Tanzania remain in the chase, with both teams looking to take advantage of their upcoming fixtures.
Standings:
- Morocco – 9 pts
- Niger – 6 pts
- Tanzania – 6 pts
- Zambia – 3 pts
- Congo – 0 pts
Group F: Côte d’Ivoire Face Threat from Gabon and Burundi
Reigning AFCON champions Côte d’Ivoire sit atop Group F, but Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, are just a point behind. Burundi also remain in the hunt with seven points.
Standings:
- Côte d’Ivoire – 10 pts
- Gabon – 9 pts
- Burundi – 7 pts
- Kenya – 5 pts
- Gambia – 3 pts
- Seychelles – 0 pts
Group G: Algeria and Mozambique Battle for Control
With both teams level on nine points, Algeria and Mozambique are locked in a fierce battle for the top spot. Botswana, Guinea, and Uganda remain within striking distance, making this one of the most unpredictable groups.
Standings:
- Algeria – 9 pts
- Mozambique – 9 pts
- Botswana – 6 pts
- Guinea – 6 pts
- Uganda – 6 pts
- Somalia – 0 pts
Group H: Tunisia Maintain Edge as Namibia and Liberia Pursue
Tunisia lead with 10 points and are well on course for a seventh World Cup appearance. Namibia and Liberia remain in contention, while Equatorial Guinea struggle for consistency.
Standings:
- Tunisia – 10 pts
- Namibia – 8 pts
- Liberia – 7 pts
- Malawi – 6 pts
- Equatorial Guinea – 3 pts
- São Tomé and Príncipe – 0 pts
Group I: Ghana Under Pressure as Comoros Surprise
Comoros have stunned many by leading Group I alongside Ghana, both on nine points. Mali, however, need to turn their campaign around fast to stay in the race.
Standings:
- Comoros – 9 pts
- Ghana – 9 pts
- Madagascar – 7 pts
- Mali – 5 pts
- Central African Republic – 4 pts
- Chad – 0 pts
The Race to North America Intensifies
With only group winners securing direct qualification, the next two matchdays will be pivotal in shaping Africa’s representation at the World Cup. Egypt, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, and Morocco remain on course, but traditional powerhouses like Nigeria and Ghana must deliver under pressure.
Expect high-intensity clashes as the continent’s best battle for a place on the world stage.
