Top eight clashes for Africa and their implications
The African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are set to resume, with crucial matches taking place from Wednesday, June 5, to Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Teams will compete in the third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
African national teams are gearing up for the matches as they continue their journey to secure their spots in the global football event.
For the first time in history, the World Cup will feature 48 teams, including nine from Africa, with a possibility for a tenth African team to qualify through the intercontinental playoff.
CAFOnline.com looks at the top eight matches of Matchday 3 and 4 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Africa.
1. Nigeria vs. South Africa (June 7)
On Friday, June 7, Nigeria will host their arch rivals South Africa in Uyo for their third-round match in Group C. The Super Eagles aim to revive their campaign, having secured just two points from their first two games last November. Since then the Nigerian have improved their play, finishing second at the recent AFCON. Meanwhile, South Africa who are second in the group with three points hopes to produce a shock to keep alive their hopes of qualifying.
2. Egypt vs. Burkina Faso (June 6)
On Thursday, June 6, Egypt will face Burkina Faso in Cairo, also for their third-round match in Group A. The “Pharaohs” are seeking their third consecutive victory in the qualifiers to extend their lead and widen the gap with second-placed Burkina Faso, who have four points and are looking to pull off an upset in Egypt.
3. Senegal vs. DR Congo (June 6)
Senegal will host DR Congo on the same day, with “The Lions of Teranga” aiming to strengthen their position at the top of Group B. They hope to continue their steady march toward a place in the 2026 World Cup, while “The Leopards” are determined to avoid a negative result and stay in contention.
4. Algeria vs. Guinea (June 6)
Group G leaders Algeria, with six points, will welcome Guinea, who have three points, to the “Nelson Mandela” stadium. Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic will be looking to make a successful debut at the helm of the “Desert Foxes,” but Guinea’s coach, Kaba Diawara, and his squad are intent on securing a positive outcome.
5. Mali vs. Ghana (June 6)
Mali, second in Group I with four points, faces a tough challenge as they host Ghana, who are eager to return to form after a disappointing performance in the last Africa Cup of Nations. This match promises to be a crucial test for both teams.
6. Côte d’Ivoire vs. Gabon (June 7)
Africa Cup of Nations champions Côte d’Ivoire will seek to continue their impressive form and extend their lead in Group F when they host Gabon on Friday, June 7. Meanwhile, Nigeria, currently third in Group C, will face second-placed South Africa in a highly anticipated and exciting match.
7. Mauritania vs. Senegal (June 9)
On Sunday, June 9, Mauritania, under the guidance of their ambitious coach Amir Abdou, will host their neighbors Senegal for the fourth-round match in Group B. This West African derby promises a lot of excitement and fervor.
8. Cameroon vs. Cape Verde (June 8)
Cameroon will face Cape Verde on June 8 in Group D, a match where the “Indomitable Lions” will look to assert their dominance and continue their campaign strongly.
All African teams understand the importance of the third and fourth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the significance of every point in their journey to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Consequently, everyone is keen to navigate the June fixtures without any slip-ups.
Stay tuned for an action-packed week of football as African teams battle it out for their place on the global stage.
