The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have resumed across Africa following the conclusion of the 2023/24 club season, with top teams battling for a place at the next global tournament. Key fixtures this week feature Ghana, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and other nations in action.
Tunisia vs Equatorial Guinea
Tunisia will host Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the qualifiers. The Carthage Eagles currently lead Group H with six points, while Equatorial Guinea sits at the bottom after forfeiting their opening matches due to FIFA disciplinary sanctions. Tunisia will aim to capitalise on home advantage as they prepare for the next round of fixtures.
Algeria vs Guinea
At the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Thursday, Algeria will face Guinea in a crucial Group G clash. Algeria leads the group with six points, despite leaving star player Riyad Mahrez out of coach Vladimir Petkovic’s 26-man squad. Veterans like Said Benrahma, Ismael Bennacer, and Baghdad Bounedjah will spearhead their attack. Guinea, with three points from their opening two matches, will rely on striker Serhou Guirassy, fresh off a 28-goal Bundesliga season, to challenge the Desert Foxes.
Mali vs Ghana
Ghana will travel to Bamako on Thursday to face a confident Mali side at Stade 26 Mars. Mali currently sits atop Group I after earning four points from their first two matches, while Ghana is still chasing their first win of the year. The return of Otto Addo on a permanent basis could be a turning point for the Black Stars, who will aim to build momentum ahead of their next match against the Central African Republic on June 10 in Kumasi.
Senegal vs DR Congo
Senegal hosts DR Congo at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in a pivotal Group A clash. The Teranga Lions have four points from two games, while DR Congo sits on three. Senegal enters the match with the advantage of form, having lost only once in their last six matches across all competitions. DR Congo, with just two wins in their last six, will be cautious but aim to exploit any defensive lapses.
Egypt vs Burkina Faso
Egypt will take on Burkina Faso at the Cairo International Stadium on Thursday, hoping to extend their perfect start in Group A. The Pharaohs have won both of their opening matches, while the Stallions sit second with four points. Egypt also holds a psychological edge, having beaten Burkina Faso in their previous two encounters, and will aim to consolidate their bid for World Cup qualification.
Nigeria vs South Africa
In a rematch of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, Nigeria will host South Africa on Friday, June 7. Under new coach Finidi George, the Super Eagles seek to reverse a disappointing start, having collected only two points from their first two matches in Group C. South Africa sits second with three points and will aim to earn a favorable result on the road before returning home to face Zimbabwe on June 11.
Ivory Coast vs Gabon
Ivory Coast will host Gabon at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Friday in a crucial clash for both sides. Both teams sit on six points from their opening matches, but the Elephants hold the home advantage and have won three of their last five encounters against Gabon. A win for Ivory Coast would strengthen their push toward qualification, while Gabon will be looking to snatch points away from the hosts.
With several high-stakes matches taking place this week, African football fans can expect a thrilling round of World Cup qualifying fixtures as teams fight to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
