Africa’s giants in final push for 2026 World Cup spots: Egypt, Algeria and Ghana closing in

The battle for Africa’s remaining places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its decisive chapter, with Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana among the leading contenders on the verge of sealing qualification.

With Morocco and Tunisia already confirmed for next year’s expanded tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, only seven automatic slots remain for the rest of the continent to fight for.

Egypt within touching distance

In Group A, the Pharaohs of Egypt are just one win away from guaranteeing their place at the finals.

Hossam Hassan’s side travel to Djibouti on Wednesday knowing victory will confirm their qualification, thanks to a commanding five-point lead at the top of the table.

Egypt’s campaign has been built on consistency and defensive discipline, conceding just once in their last six qualifiers.

If they fail to finish the job midweek, they will have a second opportunity when they host Guinea-Bissau in Cairo on Sunday.

Their nearest rivals, Burkina Faso, must defeat Sierra Leone and Ethiopia and hope for a monumental collapse from Egypt — a scenario that appears highly improbable.

Cape Verde on the brink of history

Tiny Cape Verde are on the verge of a fairy-tale qualification to their first-ever World Cup.

The Blue Sharks lead Group D by four points after a statement win against Cameroon, and could seal their place with victory over Libya on Thursday or Eswatini next Monday.

With a population of barely 500,000, Cape Verde’s success represents one of African football’s most inspiring stories — a rise from regional outsiders to genuine global contenders.

Cameroon, though, are refusing to surrender. The Indomitable Lions must win both remaining fixtures — against Mauritius and Angola — while relying on Cape Verde to falter if they are to avoid missing consecutive World Cups for the first time since 1990.

Algeria and Ghana near the finish line

Algeria need just a single point to book their ticket to North America. Sitting comfortably atop Group G, the Desert Foxes face Somalia on Thursday before hosting Uganda in Algiers.

Under coach Vladimir Petković, Algeria have looked assured throughout, combining attacking efficiency with tactical stability to stay unbeaten in qualifying.

In Group I, Ghana remain firmly in control of their destiny.

The Black Stars lead by three points and can confirm qualification if they beat the Central African Republic and Madagascar fail to win against Comoros.

Should results tighten, Ghana’s final home game against Comoros in Accra could decide the group winner.

Pressure mounting on Nigeria and Cameroon

Two of Africa’s most decorated footballing nations — Nigeria and Cameroon — face a tense conclusion to the qualifying series.

The Super Eagles have struggled for form and cohesion amid administrative challenges and off-field controversies.

They must win both remaining games in Group C and hope for favourable outcomes elsewhere to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Cameroon’s situation is similarly precarious. The six-time World Cup participants risk back-to-back eliminations if they fail to take maximum points from their final fixtures.

Play-off race heats up

While group winners earn direct qualification, four of the best second-placed teams will proceed to the African play-offs, where one additional nation will compete in the intercontinental qualifiers for a final World Cup berth.

Currently, Gabon, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar occupy those coveted positions — but with two rounds left, any slip could prove costly.

Continental hopes rest on final whistle

As Africa’s qualifiers near their climax, the continent’s footballing heavyweights and rising stars are united by a single ambition: a ticket to the world’s grandest stage.

From Cairo to Praia, Algiers to Accra, the coming week will decide who earns the right to represent Africa at North America 2026, and who will be left clinging to play-off hopes.