Egypt and Cape Verde enter decisive fixtures on Wednesday as the race for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in Africa reaches its penultimate stage.
In Group A, Egypt sit in pole position with 20 points and aim to confirm their ticket when they visit Djibouti at 17:00 GMT.
The Pharaohs know that victory would guarantee their progression regardless of other results. Burkina Faso, second with 15 points, must win away against Sierra Leone to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Sierra Leone, with 12 points, also remain mathematically in contention and will fight to stay in the race. Guinea-Bissau face Ethiopia earlier in the day at 14:00 GMT as both sides seek to improve their final standings.
Group A standings:
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Egypt – 20 pts
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Burkina Faso – 15 pts
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Sierra Leone – 12 pts
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Guinea-Bissau – 10 pts
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Ethiopia – 6 pts
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Djibouti – 1 pt
In Group D, Cape Verde lead with 19 points and look to move closer to qualification when they travel to Libya.
Victory would edge them closer to a first-ever World Cup appearance.
Cameroon, four points behind on 15, must win against Mauritius to stay in contention, while Libya remain hopeful with 14 points and a chance to disrupt Cape Verde’s campaign.
Angola, Eswatini, and Mauritius are already out of contention.
Group D standings:
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Cape Verde – 19 pts
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Cameroon – 15 pts
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Libya – 14 pts
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Angola – 10 pts
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Mauritius – 5 pts
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Eswatini – 2 pts
Group E sees Morocco already qualified with 21 points, while Tanzania and Niger compete for second place. In Group I, Ghana aim to consolidate their lead with 19 points as they face the Central African Republic. Madagascar and Comoros remain close behind, keeping the race for top spot intense.
