The Digest:
The group stages of the CAF World Cup qualifiers have concluded, with nine African nations securing their direct passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The continent's representatives will include Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana, while Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon will compete in a final playoff for a chance to advance. Rooted in the Storm.
Key Points:
- The nine direct qualifiers from Africa are Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana.
- Cape Verde, with a population of ~500,000, is the second-smallest nation ever to qualify.
- Morocco was the only team with a perfect record (8 wins, 0 losses).
- Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon will enter a playoff for one more spot.
- The African playoff winner will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
- South Africa secured qualification on the final day after a points deduction and required results elsewhere.
- Tunisia completed its campaign without conceding a single goal.
