Three of Africa’s football powerhouses — Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and South Africa — are officially heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, sealing qualification after a thrilling final round of CAF qualifiers that sent waves of celebration across the continent.
The night was one for the archives — packed with goals, upsets, and emotional scenes from Abidjan to Mbombela. While the Elephants, Lions of Teranga, and Bafana Bafana secured their tickets to North America, Nigeria, Congo DR, Gabon, and Cameroon set their sights on the upcoming CAF Play-Off Tournament, where one final African spot will be up for grabs.
🇿🇦 Bafana Bafana Back on the Biggest Stage
After 16 years away, South Africa are World Cup-bound again. Needing both a win and a favour, Hugo Broos’ men delivered in emphatic style, crushing Rwanda 3–0 in Mbombela.
Early goals from Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis, followed by a second-half header from Evidence Makgopa, sealed a dominant performance and sparked celebrations nationwide. With Nigeria’s rout of Benin flipping the group standings, South Africa topped Group C — booking their first World Cup return since hosting the tournament in 2010.
🇳🇬 Osimhen Hat-Trick Lifts Nigeria into Play-Offs
In Uyo, Victor Osimhen turned in a performance for the ages. The Super Eagles’ talisman struck three times in a 4–0 demolition of Benin, single-handedly keeping Nigeria’s dream alive.
Though Bafana Bafana leapfrogged them on goal difference, Nigeria finished among the best runners-up and will compete in next month’s African Play-Off Tournament, where one more ticket to the World Cup will be decided.
🇸🇳 Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire March On
In Diamniadio, Sadio Mané inspired Senegal to a 4–0 rout of Mauritania, with Iliman Ndiaye and Habib Diallo joining the party. The victory confirmed the Lions of Teranga’s third straight World Cup appearance and underscored their status as one of the continent’s most consistent sides.
Meanwhile in Abidjan, Emerse Faé’s Côte d’Ivoire cruised to a 3–0 win over Kenya, led by Franck Kessié, Yan Diomandé, and Amad Diallo. The Elephants continue their post-AFCON resurgence, earning their fourth World Cup appearance in five editions.
🇨🇩, 🇬🇦, 🇨🇲 Eye Play-Off Glory
Elsewhere, Congo DR edged Sudan 1–0 courtesy of Theo Bongonda’s strike to clinch a play-off spot. Gabon left it late to beat Burundi 2–0, while Cameroon had already sealed qualification to the play-offs earlier in the week.
The quartet will now battle it out for one continental slot at the global finals — a route that promises high drama and heartbreak.