High-stakes day in African World Cup qualifiers with key matches across the continent

The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign continues on Monday, 8 September, with a decisive round of fixtures across Africa, including headline encounters between Guinea and Algeria as well as Ghana and Mali.

The day marks the eighth round of qualification, with nations vying to strengthen their positions in the race for a place at the global finals.

With the competition entering a critical stage, every point has become vital, both for sides chasing top spots and for those hoping to upset more fancied opponents.

The afternoon will begin with three matches kicking off simultaneously at 13:00 GMT. Equatorial Guinea host Tunisia, Mozambique take on Botswana, while Zambia face a stern test against Morocco in a clash that could reshape the battle in their group.

Later at 16:00 GMT, focus shifts to the meeting between Guinea and Algeria. The encounter promises to be one of the most closely watched games of the day, as both teams remain in contention for qualification and will see this fixture as a decisive moment in their campaigns.

At the same time, Guinea-Bissau welcome Djibouti, Madagascar meet Chad, Malawi host Liberia, and Uganda play Somalia — fixtures that could yet produce surprise results and shake up the standings.

The evening session provides another highlight, with Ghana set to lock horns with Mali at 19:00 GMT.

With both teams boasting rich footballing pedigree and passionate support, the match is expected to deliver drama and intensity. Elsewhere, Libya take on Eswatini in the final fixture of the day.

The results from Monday’s schedule are likely to have a major impact on the qualification picture. With margins so fine at this stage, even a single dropped point could prove decisive in the race to reach the World Cup finals.

Full schedule for Monday, 8 September (all times GMT):

• 13:00 — Equatorial Guinea v Tunisia

• 13:00 — Mozambique v Botswana

• 13:00 — Zambia v Morocco

• 16:00 — Guinea v Algeria

• 16:00 — Guinea-Bissau v Djibouti

• 16:00 — Madagascar v Chad

• 16:00 — Malawi v Liberia

• 16:00 — Uganda v Somalia

• 19:00 — Ghana v Mali

• 19:00 — Libya v Eswatini

With heavyweight showdowns and potential upsets on the cards, Monday promises to be one of the most pivotal days yet in Africa’s road to the 2026 World Cup.