Egypt and South Africa are on the verge of securing their spots in the 2026 World Cup, to be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the African qualifiers reach their eighth round with pivotal matches. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, faces Burkina Faso away, needing only a win to confirm its fourth World Cup appearance. Meanwhile, South Africa, host of the 2010 World Cup, takes on Nigeria at home and relies on a combination of results to lock in its qualification. The African Football Confederation (CAF) has nine direct slots, with Morocco and Tunisia already qualified, plus one spot in the global repechage. Expectations are high for today’s matches, which could determine more African representatives for the global tournament.
The current round is a critical moment for African teams. With 54 teams split into nine groups, the CAF qualifiers’ format is straightforward: group leaders secure a World Cup spot, while the four best runners-up compete in an intercontinental repechage. So far, only two African teams have clinched their spots for 2026, making this week’s matches highly intense.
- Key matches: Egypt vs. Burkina Faso and South Africa vs. Nigeria.
- Secured spots: Morocco and Tunisia have confirmed participation.
- Stakes: Seven direct slots and one repechage spot remain open.
Egypt leads Group A
Egypt heads into the match against Burkina Faso with a strong campaign, holding 19 points in Group A. Led by Mohamed Salah, the team has won five matches and drawn four, remaining unbeaten. A victory away against second-placed Burkina Faso, with 14 points, ensures qualification with two rounds to spare. Salah, Liverpool’s star, is the main goal-scoring hope, averaging 0.8 goals per game in the qualifiers. Egypt is chasing its fourth World Cup appearance, having competed in 1934, 1990, and 2018, though never advancing past the group stage.
Egypt’s strength lies in its balanced defense and efficient attack. The team has conceded just three goals in eight matches while scoring 18 times. Tuesday’s clash is seen as a decisive test, as Burkina Faso still has a slim chance of challenging for the top spot, needing a win and Egyptian slip-ups in the final rounds. Egyptian fans are hopeful for an early qualification.
- Current standings: Egypt leads with 19 points; Burkina Faso has 14.
- Highlight: Mohamed Salah has scored seven goals in the qualifiers.
- History: Egypt competed in three World Cups, with its best result in 1934 (round of 16).
- Key match: A win secures Egypt’s spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Who's next? 18/48. ✅ @aramco | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/EJkHDKrHVI
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 9, 2025
South Africa’s push in Group C
In Group C, South Africa faces a more complex scenario. With 16 points, the team leads the group but has yet to seal qualification. The match against Nigeria, third with 10 points, is critical. A win eliminates Nigeria’s chances, but South Africa’s direct qualification hinges on second-placed Benin (11 points) failing to beat Rwanda away. South Africa, which hosted the 2010 World Cup and reached the quarterfinals, dreams of returning to the global stage after missing 2014, 2018, and 2022.
South Africa’s campaign has been consistent, with four wins, two draws, and one loss. The team relies on home support in Johannesburg and the speed of its forwards to overcome Nigeria, a historic African powerhouse. The needed combination of results adds drama to the match, as a draw or loss could push the decision to the final rounds.
- Current standings: South Africa (16 points), Benin (11 points), Nigeria (10 points).
- Key match: South Africa vs. Nigeria in Johannesburg.
- Dependency: Qualification requires a win and a Benin stumble.
- History: South Africa appeared in three World Cups (1998, 2002, 2010).
Global qualifiers overview
The 2026 World Cup already has 18 confirmed teams, including hosts Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In South America, six teams are set: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay. CONMEBOL still has one repechage spot in contention, with Venezuela and Bolivia in the race. In Asia, Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, and Australia are qualified, with two direct slots and one repechage spot to be decided in October. Oceania has confirmed New Zealand as its direct representative and New Caledonia for the repechage.
In Africa, besides Morocco and Tunisia, teams like Egypt, Algeria, and Cameroon are well-positioned to secure spots. CONCACAF, with three direct slots and two repechage spots, is in the early third phase, with El Salvador and Jamaica leading their groups. In Europe, the qualifiers are in initial stages, with all 16 direct slots still open.
- Confirmed teams: 18 of 48 slots are filled.
- CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay.
- AFC: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia.
- CAF: Morocco, Tunisia; seven direct slots and one repechage spot open.
- OFC: New Zealand qualified; New Caledonia in repechage.
African qualifiers format
CAF qualifiers are structured into nine groups, with each leader earning a direct World Cup spot. The four best runners-up compete in an intercontinental repechage for one additional slot. With the eighth round underway, the competition is nearing the end of its first phase. Besides Egypt and South Africa, teams like Algeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast are close to confirming their spots, promising a strong African presence in 2026.
The straightforward format, with home-and-away matches, ensures balance and competitiveness. CAF has shown growth, with Morocco reaching fourth place in 2022 and other teams displaying consistency. The current round could confirm up to three new qualifiers, depending on other group results.
- Structure: Nine groups, with leaders directly qualified.
- Repechage: Four best runners-up compete for one spot.
- Remaining matches: Two rounds after the current one.
- Favorites: Egypt, Algeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast lead their groups.
Expectations for today’s matches
Tuesday’s matches carry high anticipation. In Egypt, fans expect a standout performance from Mohamed Salah, who could reach eight goals in the qualifiers. South Africa counts on home support to defeat Nigeria, a historic rival. Today’s results could not only secure new spots but also boost team morale for the final rounds and World Cup preparations.
The 2026 World Cup, with 48 teams, will be the largest ever, and Africa aims to solidify its global presence. With seven direct slots still open, the continent has a chance to send a record number of teams. Today’s games are a glimpse of the African qualifiers’ intensity.
- Schedule: Egypt vs. Burkina Faso at 4:00 PM (Brasília time); South Africa vs. Nigeria at 3:00 PM.
- Broadcast: FIFA+ and Cazé TV (Egypt vs. Burkina Faso).
- Expectations: Egypt is favored; South Africa faces a balanced match.
- Impact: Results shape the African qualifiers’ pace.
