CAF confirms VAR to be used for the first time in African World Cup playoff matches
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that video assistant refereeing (VAR) will be introduced during the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs in Africa, marking a historic first for the continent’s qualification campaign.
CAF and FIFA jointly approved the decision, with the technology set to be implemented in the decisive knockout matches that will determine Africa’s final representatives at the global tournament.
According to information reported by Emedia, VAR will be used for the first time in African World Cup qualifiers, ending years of traditional officiating without technological assistance.
The system’s introduction at this stage of the competition is intended to strengthen fairness and transparency in what are expected to be tightly contested fixtures.
These playoff games, scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from 13 to 16 November 2025, will see the Democratic Republic of Congo face Cameroon, while Gabon meet Nigeria for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The decision reflects CAF’s continued commitment to modernizing refereeing standards across the continent.
In recent years, the governing body has gradually rolled out VAR in major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Champions League, but this will be the first time the system is used in World Cup qualifying matches.
“The aim is to ensure that decisions made on the pitch are as accurate and fair as possible, especially in games where qualification for the World Cup is at stake,” a CAF source told Emedia.
The introduction of VAR is also seen as part of CAF’s broader effort to align African football with international best practices.
Previous qualifying campaigns had occasionally been overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions, prompting calls from several national federations for the technology’s inclusion.
For the nations involved, the stakes could not be higher.
The playoffs will decide which teams complete Africa’s expanded contingent for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The use of VAR is expected to reduce officiating errors and provide teams with greater confidence in the integrity of match outcomes.
It also underscores the growing professionalization of African football at a time when the continent is increasingly asserting itself on the global stage.
