Burkina Faso face Egypt in pivotal 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Burkina Faso will take on Egypt in a decisive Group A encounter on Tuesday as the eighth round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Africa reaches a crucial stage.

The clash is set to shape the group’s outcome, with Egypt currently leading on 19 points and Burkina Faso sitting five points behind on 14.

A victory for the Stallions would cut the gap and keep their hopes of qualification alive, while Egypt know that avoiding defeat would leave them firmly in control at the top.

Earlier in the day, Sierra Leone host Ethiopia at 14:00 GMT, with both sides playing for pride as they look to improve their standings in the lower half of the group.

Sierra Leone, on nine points, remain just ahead of Ethiopia, who have collected six. Guinea-Bissau, on 10 points, will sit out this round. Djibouti, with a single point, remain bottom of the group.

In Group B, Senegal face a testing away fixture against Congo at 17:00 GMT as they look to overtake DR Congo at the summit. DR Congo lead with 16 points, just one ahead of Senegal on 15.

Sudan, still in contention with 12 points, travel to face Togo at the same time. Later in the evening, Mauritania meet South Sudan at 20:00 GMT, with both sides hoping to lift themselves off the lower reaches of the table.

Group C also presents a high-stakes contest, as South Africa, currently on 16 points, host Nigeria in a heavyweight clash at 17:00 GMT. Nigeria, on 10 points, must secure victory to stay in contention.

Zimbabwe face Rwanda earlier at 14:00 GMT, while Benin meet Lesotho at 20:00 GMT. South Africa lead the group ahead of Benin on 11 points, while Rwanda sit on eight and Lesotho on six, with Zimbabwe bottom on four.

Cape Verde continue their strong campaign in Group D when they host Cameroon at 17:00 GMT. Cape Verde top the standings on 16 points, but Cameroon are just a point behind on 15, with Libya close on 14. Later in the evening, Angola play Mauritius at 20:00 GMT, seeking to close the gap on the top three.

In Group E, Morocco have already secured their qualification with 21 points from seven matches. Tanzania, currently second with 10 points from six, host Niger at 14:00 GMT aiming to consolidate their position. Zambia, on six points, remain in contention with two matches left to play.

Group F sees leaders Ivory Coast, who have 19 points, travel to face Gabon, who sit just behind them on 18, in a direct battle for top spot at 20:00 GMT. Earlier in the day, Kenya meet Seychelles at 14:00 GMT, while Gambia, with seven points, take on Burundi, who have 10, also at 20:00 GMT.

Group H action will see Namibia host Sao Tome and Principe at 14:00 GMT. Tunisia have already sealed qualification with 22 points, leaving Namibia on 12, Liberia on 11, Malawi on 10 and Equatorial Guinea also on 10 battling for position. Sao Tome and Principe remain without a point.

With several groups finely poised and heavyweight nations colliding, Tuesday’s fixtures promise to be decisive in shaping the path to the 2026 World Cup.