World Cup qualifiers resume in Africa with giants in danger

African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup resume this week after a nine-month hiatus, with several top teams facing crucial matches. The stakes are high, with only the nine group winners guaranteed a spot at the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The four best second-placed teams will have a chance to earn one final spot via playoffs.

Nigeria, under new coach Eric Chelle, faces a must-win situation in Group C, where they trail leaders Rwanda by four points. Chelle, the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles, acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence in his players. Star striker Victor Osimhen emphasized the team’s desperation to make the finals after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

In Group I, Mali’s new coach, Tom Saintfiet, aims to revive the team’s campaign, which has been lagging behind leaders Comoros. Saintfiet, who succeeded Eric Chelle, believes Mali has the talent to succeed and is targeting a historic World Cup qualification. Meanwhile, Ghana seeks to bounce back from a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in Group I.

Egypt, led by captain Mohamed Salah, enjoys a comfortable four-point lead in Group A. Salah, who was rested during the latter stages of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, will face Ethiopia and Sierra Leone in the upcoming matches. New Leone Stars coach Mohammed Kallon has selected Manchester City’s teenage defender Juma Bah and 40-year-old Kei Kamara in his first squad.

The closest group to call is Group G, where the top five teams are separated by just three points. Algeria, Guinea, Uganda, and Mozambique are all in contention, with Vladimir Petkovic’s Les Verts facing Mozambique and Botswana. Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked side, has the only 100% record remaining, but their group is complicated by the suspension of Congo-Brazzaville and the withdrawal of Eritrea.

The situation in Group E is further complicated by Congo-Brazzaville’s suspension, which has led to the cancellation of their matches against Tanzania and Zambia. The Red Devils’ fate remains uncertain, and a decision from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football is awaited. The outcome will have significant implications for the ranking of second-placed teams heading into potential playoffs.

As the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup resume, several teams face critical matches that will determine their fate. With new coaches, injuries, and suspensions adding to the complexity, the stakes are higher than ever. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the continent’s representatives at the World Cup finals.