The Next Chapter: Africa’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Resume

African News: As 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Resume, Africa’s Football Giants Face Crucial Tests

The African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup resume this week after a nine-month break, with high stakes for some of Africa’s most prominent teams. With six rounds of the 10-match group stage remaining, this month’s fixtures will be pivotal in determining the fate of many countries in the world of African sport.

The nine group winners will automatically secure a place in the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, while the four best second-placed teams will have a chance to qualify through the play-offs.

A series of managerial changes have occurred since the last round in June, with countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia appointing new coaches. What should fans expect as the battle for World Cup spots intensifies in African news?

Nigeria Under Pressure to Perform

Among the continent’s heavyweights, Nigeria faces the most immediate pressure. Winless in Group C and trailing four points behind leaders Rwanda, the Super Eagles’ new coach, Eric Chelle, takes charge under tough circumstances. The former Mali coach, the first non-Nigerian to lead the national team, will oversee crucial matches in Kigali and against Zimbabwe. These fixtures are considered must-win for the three-time African champions.
Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, emphasized the team’s determination to qualify, saying they are “desperate” to make amends after missing out on the 2022 World Cup.

Mali’s Revival Under Saintfiet

Mali, too, is under the guidance of a new coach, Tom Saintfiet, who took over after Eric Chelle’s departure. The Eagles are aiming to close the four-point gap to Group I leaders Comoros with an away match against the island nation. Saintfiet is optimistic, pointing to his team’s talent and a solid Afcon qualification campaign as reasons for hope. With a fresh approach, Mali aims to make history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup.

Senegal Faces Sudan Challenge

Senegal, the reigning Afcon champions, are in a competitive battle in Group B, trailing Sudan by two points. Pape Thiaw, the new head coach, is tasked with maintaining the team’s strong performance after succeeding Aliou Cissé. Senegal’s squad will be without Premier League forwards Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye for key matches against Sudan and Togo. Despite these setbacks, Senegal remains a strong contender for the 2026 World Cup spot.

Egypt and Tunisia Hold Strong Leads

Egypt leads Group A with a four-point advantage, thanks to the form of Mohamed Salah, who continues to shine with Liverpool. The Pharaohs will face Ethiopia and Sierra Leone in their upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Tunisia, led by Sami Trabelsi, remains at the top of Group H, maintaining a two-point lead over second-place teams. Both teams are poised to extend their leads as the qualifiers progress.

Group F Tightens as Ivory Coast and Kenya Battle

In Group F, Ivory Coast holds a narrow lead over rivals, while new Kenya coach Benni McCarthy is eyeing a historic first-ever World Cup qualification for the Harambee Stars. Kenya must close the gap to the Ivorians in their upcoming matches to stay in contention.

Morocco Maintains Perfect Record Amid Suspensions

Morocco, Africa’s highest-ranked team, is the only side to maintain a perfect record in the qualifiers. However, their Group E is complicated by recent suspensions, with Congo-Brazzaville banned from international competition by FIFA. This has led to the cancellation of the March fixtures between Congo and Tanzania/Zambia, leaving the group’s final standings uncertain. The Confederation of African Football and FIFA will soon have to determine how the suspension affects play-off qualification.

Challenges for Other Contenders

In Group D, Cameroon is slightly ahead of Cape Verde and Libya, while Algeria, after a successful Afcon campaign, will aim to secure their World Cup spot in Group G. Guinea and co-hosts Uganda will also look to capitalize on any slip-ups.
As the qualifiers continue, every match is crucial, with several African nations facing their biggest test yet in their quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The excitement and drama surrounding the African qualifiers continue to make headlines in African news and African sport as the continent’s top teams battle for a place on the global stage.

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