2026 WCQ: Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria and DR Congo, who will claim the final playoff spot
Four of Africa’s football heavyweights—Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and DR Congo—are set to clash for a chance to reach the intercontinental playoffs of the 2026 World Cup.
These high-stakes encounters, beginning this Thursday, will determine which nation earns the opportunity to compete on the global stage.
Nine African countries have already booked their places at the tournament: South Africa, Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia.
These teams secured qualification through strong performances in the continental qualifiers, leaving a tenth African berth up for grabs via the intercontinental playoffs.
The potential opponents from other continents could include New Caledonia, Bolivia, or the winner of the UAE-Iraq playoff representing Asia.
The competition among the four remaining nations promises intensity and drama.
The first semi-final sees Gabon face Nigeria on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium.
Both sides enter the match with high expectations and talented squads eager to seize the opportunity.
Nigeria, led by seasoned internationals, aims to leverage its experience, while Gabon will look to rely on a blend of emerging talent and established stars to secure a victory.
Following the semi-final, Cameroon will meet DR Congo in a decisive clash on Sunday, November 16, at 8 p.m.
The winner of this match will progress to face the victor of Gabon vs. Nigeria in the final stage, with the triumphant side advancing to the intercontinental playoffs.
Cameroon, a team with a storied World Cup history, will be looking to reaffirm its reputation, while DR Congo, with a rich footballing tradition and passionate fan base, aims to defy expectations and claim the coveted spot.
Football analysts predict closely contested matches, noting that all four nations possess a mix of skill, athleticism, and strategic depth.
These games are more than qualifiers—they are battles that define the future of African representation on the world stage, one observer remarked.
For the players, coaches, and supporters, the coming days are a test of nerves, discipline, and tactical acumen.
Every goal, every defensive effort, and every decision on the field will carry immense weight, with the prize being a chance to compete in the intercontinental playoff and potentially secure a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
African football fans will be watching closely as Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and DR Congo vie for the last opportunity to join the continent’s representatives in North America, making this a pivotal chapter in the journey to the World Cup.
