The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Africa (CAF) are nearing their dramatic conclusion, with the group stage wrapping up on October 14, 2025. As of November 16, 2025, following the latest matches on October 15, nine group winners have nearly secured direct qualification, and 4 best African Runners have secured the four playoff spots.
Africa earns nine automatic berths plus one intercontinental playoff slot, determined by a second-round tournament among the top four runners-up.
For fans tracking the road to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, this breakdown has it all—rankings of the top African runners-up, up-to-date standings, potential qualifiers, plus adjusted points, goal differences, and predictions. It’s a must-read for anyone following the action.
Overview of CAF 2026 World Cup Qualification Format
CAF’s qualification features nine groups (A to I), each with six teams (except Group E with five after Eritrea’s withdrawal). Teams play home and away, totalling 10 matches per side from November 2023 to October 2025. Group winners qualify directly.
The four best runners-up advance to a single-elimination playoff in November 2025: semi-finals and a final, with the winner earning Africa’s 10th spot via the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
To rank runners-up fairly (since groups vary slightly), CAF uses adjusted standings: excluding results against the sixth-placed team in groups with six teams.
Tiebreakers: points, goal difference (GD), goals scored, away goals, and fair play. This system ensures equity, and as matches conclude, the rankings could shift.
Current Runners-Up in Each CAF Group
Based on standings after October 15 matches, here are the current second-placed teams across the nine groups (full points and GD before adjustments):
- Group A (Winner: Egypt – 26 pts): Burkina Faso – 21 pts, +15 GD
- Group B (Winner: Senegal – 24 pts): DR Congo – 22 pts, +9 GD
- Group C (Winner: South Africa – 18 pts): Nigeria – 17 pts, +7 GD
- Group D (Winner: Cape Verde – 23 pts): Cameroon – 19 pts, +12 GD
- Group E (Winner: Morocco – 21 pts): Niger – 15 pts, +1 GD (no sixth team, so no adjustment needed)
- Group F (Winner: Ivory Coast – 26 pts): Gabon – 25 pts, +13 GD
- Group G (Winner: Algeria – 25 pts): Uganda – 18 pts, +5 GD
- Group H (Winner: Tunisia – 28 pts): Namibia – 15 pts, +3 GD
- Group I (Winner: Ghana – 25 pts): Madagascar – 19 pts, +5 GD
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These teams are in a prime position, and 9 group winners have qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
Ranking the Best African Runners-Up for Playoff Spots
Using CAF’s adjusted criteria (excluding vs sixth-place teams), here’s the current ranking of all nine runners-up as of October 16, 2025. The top four will enter the playoffs. Rankings prioritize adjusted points, then GD, goals scored, etc. (2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers)
- Gabon (Group F): 19 adjusted pts, +6 GD – Strong form under Thierry Mouyouma, nearly matching leaders Ivory Coast. Their high points make them frontrunners for a playoff semi-final spot.
- DR Congo (Group B): 16 adjusted pts, +5 GD – Consistent under Sebastien Desabre, with a solid defense. They reached on semifinal.
- Cameroon (Group D): 15 adjusted pts, +9 GD – The Indomitable Lions boast the best GD among contenders, thanks to a potent attack. Rigobert Song’s side has reached in playoffs.
- Nigeria (Group C): 15 adjusted pts, 7 GD – Unadjusted due to group size; their neutral GD hurts rankings. But reached on semifinal.
- Burkina Faso (Group A): 15 adjusted pts, +6 GD – Solid but out of World Cup.
- Niger (Group E): 15 adjusted pts, +1 GD – Niger in a tight group; and out of the tournament.
- Madagascar (Group I): 13 adjusted pts, 0 GD – Surprise package, challenging Mali closely, but out of the tournament.
- Uganda (Group G): 12 adjusted pts, +3 GD – Cranes have improved but face tiebreaker disadvantages.
- Namibia (Group H): 9 adjusted pts, +1 GD – Brave Warriors lag, unlikely to advance without miracles.
Best African Runners-Up in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Standings
| Pos | Grp | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | Gabon | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 9 | +6 | 19 |
| 2 | B | DR Congo | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 5 | +5 | 16 |
| 3 | D | Cameroon | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 5 | +9 | 15 |
| 4 | C | Nigeria | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 15 |
| 5 | A | Burkina Faso | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 7 | +6 | 15 |
| 6 | E | Niger | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 10 | +1 | 15 |
| 7 | I | Madagascar | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 13 |
| 8 | G | Uganda | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 9 | +2 | 12 |
| 9 | H | Namibia | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 10 | −2 | 9 |
Analysis: Favourites, Dark Horses, and Key Factors
Favourites for Playoffs:
Gabon, Nigeria and Cameroon stand out with high adjusted points and GD. Gabon’s near-perfect run (only one loss) positions them as leading playoff winners, while Cameroon’s experience (five World Cups) adds pedigree.
Dark Horses:
DR Congo and Madagascar. DR Congo’s balanced squad, featuring talents like Theo Bongonda, could surprise. DR Congo, as an underdog, thrive on counter-attacks and has already upset bigger nations.
Key Factors Influencing Rankings:
- Final Matchday Drama: South Africa move from 3rd position to top.
- Tiebreakers in Play: Four teams have points tied, GD and goals scored decide, favouring high-scoring teams qualified like Nigeria and Cameroon.
- Injuries and Form: Stars like Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (if called) or Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar could tip the scales.
- Historical Context: Only the top four advance; past playoffs saw upsets, like Zambia in the 2022 qualifiers.
With Africa’s allocation expanded, these runners-up represent the continent’s depth, from established powers to rising nations.
Best African Runners-Up in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Conclusion
The ranking of the best African runners-up in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers highlights Gabon’s lead, followed by Cameroon, DR Congo, and Nigeria as frontrunners for playoff berths. The group stage ends on October 14, 2025.
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CAF Second round qualification
After nine group winners secured direct qualification for the World Cup, the four best runners-up from the African first round faced off CAF Second round qualification in Morocco.
| Pos | Grp | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | Gabon | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 9 | +6 | 19 |
| 2 | B | DR Congo | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 5 | +5 | 16 |
| 3 | D | Cameroon | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 5 | +9 | 15 |
| 4 | C | Nigeria | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 15 |
Schedule
| Date | Fixture | Stadiums |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Final 1 | ||
| Thursday, 13 Nov 17:00 Local (16:00 GMT) | Nigeria 4-1 Gabon | Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat |
| Semi-Final 2 | ||
| Thursday, 13 Nov 20:00 Local (19:00 GMT) | Cameroon 0-1 DR Congo | Al Barid Stadium, Rabat |
| Final | ||
| Sunday, 16 Nov TBD | Nigeria 1(3)-1(4) DR Congo | Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat |
What is the Next Process of the African Runners-Up teams?
The top two runners-up from the third round will qualify for the Inter-confederation play-offs. This team will compete against teams from the AFC, OFC, CONMEBOL, and CONCACAF.
