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HOW ARE THE CAF (AFRICA) QUALIFIERS FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP GOING?

Who's leading the pack in Africa? Which teams have surprised everyone, and which are falling behind? If you're following the CAF continent's qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, this article will get you up to speed on everything you need to know: current standings, key players, surprising stats, and a recap of the most exciting moments so far. Africa never disappoints, and this ranking confirms it.

Groups, format, and what's at stake


The Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are a true football marathon. With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, Africa has more tickets than ever before: nine direct spots and one more in the intercontinental play-off!


The format has changed compared to previous editions. There are now 9 groups of 6 teams each. The winner of each group qualifies directly for the World Cup. The four best runners-up compete against each other for a place in the intercontinental play-off. In total, 54 teams are battling it out from November 2023 to October 2025. And yes, every point is worth its weight in gold.


How are the groups organized?


  • Group A: Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Djibouti

  • Group B: Senegal, DR Congo, Mauritania, Sudan, Togo, South Sudan

  • Group C: Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Lesotho

  • Groups D through I: Include powerhouses like Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia


The best thing about this format is that each group is a mini-league with guaranteed drama. Blink and you'll miss it. And watch out, because there have already been unexpected results that have put several giants in trouble.


Teams that dominate and the surprises


So far, some teams are living up to expectations, but several have surprised the continent. For example, Egypt leads its group with a firm step, even though it still has to face Burkina Faso, its closest rival. Mohamed Salah continues to be the heart of the team with 4 goals in two matches.


Senegal, the current African champion, is also performing with authority, with Sadio Mané continuing his legendary form. In contrast, Nigeria has had a very poor start with two draws, which has set off alarm bells. South Africa, meanwhile, has shown grit and currently occupies first place in Group C.


Surprises no one saw coming


  • Rwanda: With a young and fast squad, they drew with Nigeria and beat Lesotho.

  • Mauritania: They started with two wins and are fighting neck and neck with DR Congo and Senegal.

  • Comoros: They are in the fight in a group where no one expected them to be.

  • Libya: They pulled off a major upset by beating Cameroon in a match historic.


Furthermore, teams like Ghana and Tunisia have had an inconsistent start, with injuries and tactical changes that haven't helped. The battle for the qualifying spots is wide open, and each double-header leaves casualties, heroes, and plenty to discuss.


The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

Statistics, curiosities and what's to come


If there's one thing that characterizes the African qualifiers, it's that there's always a spectacle. From stadiums bursting with passion to matches that end with more cards than goals. Let's get to some juicy stats:


Stats you can't miss


  • Top scorer: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt) lead the scoring charts with 4 goals each.

  • Highest scoring match: Egypt 6 - 0 Djibouti, a real party in Cairo.

  • Most cards: Sudan vs Togo, with 9 yellow cards and 2 red cards. It looked like Mortal Kombat!

  • Undefeated: Egypt, Senegal, and Morocco haven't lost a single match so far.

  • Promising debutants: Malawi and Equatorial Guinea are putting up a fight in their groups.


What's coming is crucial: in November 2025, key matches will be played where the leaders of several groups will likely be decided. The return of figures like Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) is also expected, who could be a decisive factor in the final matches.


And let's not forget that Africa always has a surprise in store for the end. From Zaire in '74 to Morocco in Qatar 2022, this continent knows how to make history. Who will be the next revelation in 2026? Betting is free, but getting it right is another story.

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