The Africa 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers reach climax between October 8 and 14 with seven nations in line to reach the global football showpiece.
Last edition’s semi-finalists Morocco and fellow North Africans Tunisia have already confirmed their places and will be joined by seven other nations for the direct nine slots for the expanded edition come next year.
Giants Algeria and Egypt are one win away from qualification just like minnows Cape Verde who could qualify for the first time in history.
For others like Nigeria and Cameroon, the risk of missing the World Cup is imminent as well.
With the four best-ranked second-placed sides from across the nine groups entering play-offs next month as well, Ismael Kiyonga explores the chances for nations to reach the edition to be hosted in Canada, Mexico and United States of America.
Group A: Egypt almost there
With a five-point difference between them and second placed Burkina Faso, The Pharaohs of Egypt will seal qualification if they beat bottom of the group Djibouti on Wednesday.
Djibouti have picked just one point and it will be a shock if they stun the record African champions who will still qualify if they beat Guinea Bissau at home in their final game on Sunday.
Closet rivals Burkina Faso must win against both Sierra Leone and Ethiopia and hope the Pharaohs fall in both their games.
For now, second spot looks the most likely for the Stallions but must beware that Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone can snatch it too.
Group B: Senegal hold advantage over DR Congo
Arguably the tightest of all groups at the moment but Senegal have the advantage especially after their come from behind victory against rivals DR Congo in the previous international break.
The Lions of Teranga need to win their two fixtures away to South Sudan and at home to Mauritania to reach another world cup.
For DR Congo, they must win against Sudan and Togo and pray that Senegal slips in one of their fixtures as the two are separated by just one point.
Sudan, in third place also still has an opportunity to top the group but must win both their remaining matches and hope Senegal falters.
Group C: South Africa favourites despite Benin sitting top
The recent decision to dock South Africa three points swung the advantage into Benin’s favour as they go into the final matches on top courtesy of superior goal difference.
However, with matches against Nigeria, still within contention and Rwanda look tougher than Bafana Bafana playing at home against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Over four nations; Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda and Lesotho still have an opportunity to top the group but the former two hold the edge.
Group D: History beckons for Cape Verde
Following their shocking 1-0 win over Cameroon last month, Cape Verde enter the final matches in superb position to qualify for their first ever world cup.
A four-point gap means victory over Libya on Wednesday in Tripoli or at home to Eswatini will be enough on Monday.
Cameroon can only qualify with victories over Mauritius (away) and Angola (home) and Cape Verde falter.
Libya, lurking in third place, a point behind The Indomitable Lions can still finish top of the group if results in both Cape Verde and Cameroon go their way.
Group E: Second place wars after Morocco tops group
Second place is the prize for Tanzania, Niger and Zambia who are only separated four points after The Atlas Lions of Morocco swept the group.
However, given the points tally, even second place could not be enough to put the side in the best four ranked second placed finishers.
Group F: Advantage Ivory Coast after last encounter draw
Reigning African champions Ivory Coast are in control of the group after the goalless draw with Gabon last month left them on top.
Wins over Seychelles (away) on Friday and Kenya (home) on Tuesday next week will secure a spot for the Canada, Mexico and United States next year.
Gabon must beat Gambia and Burundi and hope the Elephants falter but for now, at least either of the two is guaranteed a play off place if they earn points from their remaining matches.
Group G: Algeria on the brink
The Desert Foxes are in pole position to clinch top spot as they lead the group by four points over second placed Uganda Cranes.
A victory over minnows of Somalia will seal qualification but even if they falter, beating The Cranes on the final day will do.
The Cranes travel to Botswana in their first game on Thursday before their visit to North Africa, while Mozambique entertain Guinea before their away game against Somalia.
Group H: Tunisia through, Namibia chase second
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia sealed qualification with two rounds to play leaving Namibia fighting to finish among the best four-ranked second placed teams to feature in a play-off.
Namibia are four points ahead Liberia and one more ahead both Malawi and Equatorial Guinea.
Group I: It is Ghana’s to lose
Ghana holds a three-point gap at the top and truly in control and beating Central African Republic and will qualify if they win and Madagascar don’t beat Comoros on Wednesday.
Both finish with tough fixtures as Ghana host Comoros and Madagascar play away to Mali.
Who are favourites for the play off?
At the moment, Gabon, Madagascar, DR Congo and Burkina Faso currently occupy the slots with final two rounds to play.
However, a lot can change in the final two matches ahead of the African play offs next month although the format is yet to be announced although the overall winner will play an intercontinental qualifier in March 2026.