World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Senegal and DRC headline thursday’s West African action
This Thursday, several West African nations, including Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania, are set to compete in their third match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. These matches follow Togo’s 1-1 draw with South Sudan on Wednesday evening in Kégué.
In Group A, Guinea-Bissau, with 4 points, will host Ethiopia. The Djurtus aim to keep pace with group leaders Burkina Faso and Egypt.
The Stallions will face a formidable challenge against Mohamed Salah and the Pharaohs in Cairo at 7 p.m. UT.
Senegal, currently on 4 points, will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Diamniadio. A win for the Teranga Lions would see them take sole possession of the top spot in Group B.
Meanwhile, Benin will seek their first victory against Rwanda in a match held in Abidjan. In Bamako, a West African derby will see Eric Sekou Chelle’s Mali take on Otto Addo’s Ghana.
Complete Program for Thursday:
- Guinea Bissau vs Ethiopia (4 p.m. UT)
- Egypt vs Burkina Faso (7 p.m. UT)
Group B:
- Mauritania vs Sudan (4 p.m. UT)
- Senegal vs DR Congo (7 p.m. UT)
Group C:
- Benin vs Rwanda (7 p.m. UT)
Group E:
- Congo vs Niger (Congo forfeits)
Group G:
- Algeria vs Guinea (7 p.m. UT)
Group I:
- Mali vs Ghana (7 p.m. UT)
Wednesday’s Results:
- Togo 1-1 South Sudan
- Namibia 1-1 Liberia
- Tunisia 1-0 Equatorial Guinea
- Sierra Leone 2-1 Djibouti
As the qualifiers heat up, Thursday’s matches promise to bring exciting football and potential shifts in group standings.
Fans across West Africa and beyond will be eagerly watching to see which teams edge closer to securing their spots in the 2026 World Cup.
