Key Details on the 2026 African World Cup Playoffs: Dates, Teams, and Match Information
Following a gripping conclusion to Group C in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, here is an in-depth guide to the upcoming playoff phase. This includes the timetable, the nations involved, and essential dates that football enthusiasts should note.
Morocco Chosen by CAF to Host African Playoff Stage for 2026 World Cup
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially appointed Morocco as the venue for the decisive African playoff tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This pivotal mini-tournament will determine which African nation advances to the intercontinental playoff round next year.
The playoffs will kick off with semi-final clashes on November 13, 2025, and conclude with the final on November 16, 2025. All matches will take place in Morocco, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a leading host for major football events on the continent.
Teams Qualified and Format of the 2026 African World Cup Playoffs
The playoff phase will feature the four best second-placed teams from the nine CAF qualifying groups after the tenth round of matches in October 2025. At present, Gabon (16 points), Nigeria (15 points), Cameroon (15 points), and Burkina Faso (15 points) are leading the pack, while DR Congo and Madagascar remain contenders depending on the final group results.
The playoff draw will be seeded according to the FIFA World Rankings published on October 23, 2025. The highest-ranked team will face the fourth seed, and the second seed will compete against the third in the semi-finals.
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, matches will extend into extra time and, if still tied, be decided by a penalty shootout. Teams are allowed five substitutions during regular time, with an additional substitution permitted in extra time.
Road to the World Cup
The winner of the playoff tournament in Morocco will secure a spot in the intercontinental playoffs set for March 2026. There, they will challenge teams from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF, competing for Africa’s tenth and final slot at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
For nations like Nigeria, who clinched their playoff berth emphatically with a 4-0 victory over Benin, and Gabon, currently topping the runners-up standings, these upcoming fixtures are of immense importance. With formidable rivals such as Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and DR Congo also vying for the last opportunity, the November playoffs promise intense battles, unwavering resolve, and high-caliber football as Africa’s finest contend for a coveted World Cup ticket.
Keep up with the Latest Sports Updates and Get Instant Notifications via X and Facebook