Africa’s World Cup race heats up as matchday nine takes centre stage

Africa’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a decisive stretch with the ninth round of qualifiers set to unfold across the continent between 8 and 10 October.

With Morocco and Tunisia already securing their places at the global showpiece, seven qualification spots remain up for grabs — and every remaining fixture carries immense weight.

Morocco sealed their ticket from Group E, while Tunisia confirmed their qualification from Group H after the previous matchday.

For the rest of the continent’s hopefuls, this week’s games present a defining opportunity: to confirm progression, remain in contention, or salvage pride.

Fans across Africa will be treated to a series of high-stakes encounters.

Cameroon’s trip to Mauritius, Libya’s clash with Cape Verde, the Comoros–Madagascar derby, Rwanda’s meeting with Benin, and South Sudan’s test against African champions Senegal headline a thrilling schedule.

Each contest could reshape the qualification picture and determine who remains in the race to join Morocco and Tunisia at the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

For three consecutive days, the continent will be gripped by drama, tension, and dreams of a place on football’s biggest stage.

National teams will take to the pitch knowing that every goal, every save, and every decision could make the difference between qualification glory and heartbreak.

Full Schedule – Matchday 9

Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Eswatini v Angola | 13:00 GMT
Ethiopia v Guinea-Bissau | 13:00 GMT
Libya v Cape Verde | 13:00 GMT
Mauritius v Cameroon | 13:00 GMT
Central African Republic v Ghana | 16:00 GMT
Comoros v Madagascar | 16:00 GMT
Djibouti v Egypt | 16:00 GMT
Sierra Leone v Burkina Faso | 16:00 GMT
Chad v Mali | 16:00 GMT
Niger v Congo | 19:00 GMT
Tanzania v Zambia | 19:00 GMT

Thursday, 9 October 2025
Burundi v Kenya | 13:00 GMT
Botswana v Uganda | 16:00 GMT
Liberia v Namibia | 16:00 GMT
Malawi v Equatorial Guinea | 16:00 GMT
Mozambique v Guinea | 16:00 GMT
Somalia v Algeria | 16:00 GMT

Friday, 10 October 2025
South Sudan v Senegal | 13:00 GMT
Gambia v Gabon | 13:00 GMT
Seychelles v Ivory Coast | 13:00 GMT
Sudan v Mauritania | 13:00 GMT
Togo v DR Congo | 13:00 GMT
Lesotho v Nigeria | 16:00 GMT
Rwanda v Benin | 16:00 GMT
Sao Tome and Principe v Tunisia | 16:00 GMT
Zimbabwe v South Africa | 16:00 GMT

As anticipation builds across Africa, nations are set to battle for a coveted place among the nine representatives the continent will send to the 2026 World Cup — a journey that now reaches its most crucial phase.