Fierce Competition as African Teams Chase 2026 World Cup Dreams

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and African teams are locked in a battle for qualification. With only group winners securing direct tickets and four best runners-up fighting for a playoff spot, every match matters.

High Stakes Across the Groups

From powerhouses like Nigeria and Ghana to underdogs like Sudan and Comoros, each group has its own dramatic storyline. Teams are pushing hard, knowing that a single slip-up could end their World Cup dreams.

Group A: Egypt in Command, Ethiopia Fighting to Stay Alive

Egypt leads Group A, fueled by Mohamed Salah and emerging star Omar Marmoush. They have been clinical, but Ethiopia, despite challenges, refuses to back down. Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau remain in the mix, making every fixture crucial.

Current 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 Surprises as Senegal Lurks

Despite playing home games in Libya due to civil unrest, Sudan leads Group B. However, Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, is just two points behind. DR Congo and South Sudan are also eyeing qualification, making this group one of the most unpredictable.

Current Standings:

• Sudan – 10 pts
• Senegal – 8 pts
• DR Congo – 7 pts
• Togo – 3 pts
• South Sudan – 2 pts
• Mauritania – 1 pt

Group C: Nigeria’s Must-Win Moment

Once expected to dominate, Nigeria is now in fifth place with just three points. With upcoming must-win matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles must step up. South Africa and Benin currently lead the charge.

Current Standings:

• Rwanda – 7 pts
• South Africa – 7 pts
• Benin – 7 pts
• Lesotho – 5 pts
• Nigeria – 3 pts
• Zimbabwe – 2 pts

Group D: Cameroon Under Pressure

Cameroon, with its World Cup pedigree, faces stiff competition from Cape Verde and Angola. Every match will be critical as teams fight for the top spot.

Current Standings:

• Cameroon – 8 pts
• Libya – 7 pts
• Cape Verde – 7 pts
• Angola – 6 pts
• Mauritius – 4 pts
• Eswatini – 0 pts

Group E: Morocco’s Quiet Dominance

Morocco remains the favorite, having won all three of their matches so far. However, Tanzania and Niger are still within reach, making the upcoming games decisive.

Current Standings:

• Morocco – 9 pts
• Niger – 6 pts
• Tanzania – 6 pts
• Zambia – 3 pts
• Congo – 0 pts

Group F: Côte d’Ivoire Leads, Gabon in Pursuit

Fresh from their AFCON triumph, Côte d’Ivoire sits atop Group F. But Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is keeping the pressure on. Kenya and Gambia also remain in the hunt.

Current 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 in Tight Battle

Algeria, the only team in this group with World Cup experience, is locked in a battle with Mozambique. Meanwhile, Botswana, Guinea, and Uganda are still in contention.

Current Standings:

• Algeria – 9 pts
• Mozambique – 9 pts
• Botswana – 6 pts
• Guinea – 6 pts
• Uganda – 6 pts
• Somalia – 0 pts

Group H: Tunisia’s Strong Start

Tunisia, aiming for their seventh World Cup appearance, leads the group. Namibia and Liberia remain contenders, while São Tomé and Príncipe struggle to make an impact.

Current 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 in Trouble as Comoros Leads

Comoros has been the biggest surprise, sharing the top spot with Ghana. The Black Stars must win against Chad and Madagascar to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Current Standings:

• Comoros – 9 pts
• Ghana – 9 pts
• Madagascar – 7 pts
• Mali – 5 pts
• Central African Republic – 4 pts
• Chad – 0 pts

Nigeria’s Last Chance for Redemption

For Nigeria, the qualifiers are about more than just making it to the World Cup—they’re about pride and legacy. With six previous appearances, failing to qualify would be a national disappointment. The pressure is on.

As the qualifiers continue, African football fans eagerly watch to see which teams will rise to the occasion. Will traditional powerhouses secure their spots, or will new challengers rewrite history? The battle for 2026 is far from over.