The final round of Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers ended in drama and celebration across the continent, as South Africa, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire booked their tickets to the global showpiece, while Burundi bowed out after a late defeat to Gabon on Tuesday night.
The three African heavyweights sealed automatic qualification following commanding victories, joining Morocco — who had already qualified — while Congo DR, Nigeria, and Gabon progressed to next month’s CAF Play-Off Tournament for one last shot at a World Cup berth.
Burundi Fall Late in Franceville
Burundi’s campaign ended in disappointment after a spirited performance wasn’t enough against Gabon, who struck twice in the final minutes to win 2–0 in Franceville.
The Swallows, who had shown resilience throughout the qualifiers, held the hosts scoreless for much of the match. But Bryan Meyo broke the deadlock in the 86th minute before Mario Lemina sealed the win in stoppage time, sending Gabon through to the continental play-offs.
Despite the result, Burundi’s young squad gained valuable experience in a challenging group that featured established African sides.
South Africa End 16-Year Wait
Elsewhere, South Africa completed a fairytale return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Playing in front of a jubilant Mbombela crowd, Bafana Bafana defeated Rwanda 3–0 to top Group C. Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring early, Oswin Appollis doubled the lead midway through the first half, and Evidence Makgopa sealed victory with a powerful header.
The win, coupled with Nigeria’s big victory over Benin, ensured South Africa’s long-awaited qualification for football’s biggest stage.
Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Keeps Nigeria in the Race
In Uyo, Victor Osimhen produced one of the standout performances of the qualifiers, scoring a hat-trick as Nigeria thrashed Benin 4–0.
Despite the dominant win, the Super Eagles finished second behind South Africa and must now seek qualification through the African Play-Offs. Frank Onyeka added a late goal to complete the rout that reignited Nigeria’s hopes.
Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire Dominate
In Diamniadio, Senegal left no doubt about their credentials with a 4–0 demolition of Mauritania. Sadio Mané led by example, scoring twice, while Iliman Ndiaye and Habib Diallo added to the tally as the Lions of Teranga qualified for their third consecutive World Cup.
Meanwhile in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire continued their resurgence with a comfortable 3–0 win over Kenya. Franck Kessié, Yan Diomandé, and Amad Diallo were all on target as the Elephants, under coach Emerse Faé, secured their fourth World Cup appearance in five editions.
Congo DR, Gabon, and Others Keep Hope Alive
In Kinshasa, Theo Bongonda scored the only goal as Congo DR beat Sudan 1–0, earning a spot in the CAF Play-Off Tournament.
Elsewhere, The Gambia finished their campaign in style with a 7–0 thrashing of Seychelles, highlighted by Abdoulie Manneh’s hat-trick, while Mozambique edged Somalia 1–0 courtesy of Geny Catamo’s early strike.
In Conakry, Guinea were held to a 2–2 draw by Botswana, and in Boukhalfa, Uganda fought back to draw 2–2 with Algeria, who had already booked their place earlier. Morocco, meanwhile, wrapped up their campaign with a 1–0 home win over Congo, thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s decisive strike.
Africa’s Road to 2026 Takes Shape
With South Africa, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, and potentially Algeria through, Africa’s representation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is taking shape.
The final African ticket will be decided next month through the CAF Play-Off Tournament, featuring Congo DR, Nigeria, Gabon, and Cameroon — four nations battling for one last chance to represent the continent on football’s biggest stage.
