CAIRO, Egypt / October 8, 2025 — With one match still to spare, Egypt qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3–0 victory over Djibouti, confirming their supremacy in Group A of the African qualifiers.
The Pharaohs, led by captain Mohamed Salah, sealed their place in North America with precision — Salah himself netting a brace to drive the side past their underdog opponents. This marks Egypt’s fifth appearance at a World Cup, following previous entries in 1934, 1990, 2018, and now 2026.
What’s Going On Across Africa’s Qualifiers
The CAF qualification campaign is nearing its climax, with nine group winners securing direct berths to the 2026 tournament, and four best runners-up entering playoff semi-finals. Already, Morocco and Tunisia have clinched group wins.
Some headline contexts worth noting:
In Group B, Senegal lead with 18 points, closely pursued by DR Congo and Sudan. Group C remains tight. Benin and South Africa both sit at 14 points; Nigeria trails on 11. Cape Verde in Group D narrowly lead the standings and could make history — a first-ever World Cup qualification for the island nation — if they win one of their remaining matches. In Group F, Ivory Coast have a one-point lead over Gabon, making their final matches critical.
Drama & Disputes: South Africa Point Deduction
One of the biggest stories off the pitch came in Group C, where South Africa were stripped of three points for fielding Teboho Mokoena, an ineligible player who should have been suspended after accumulating two prior yellow cards. As a result, the fixture result was overturned to a 3–0 win for Lesotho.
This ruling upended the standings: Benin now leads on goal difference, with South Africa equal on points but trailing the tie-breakers. Nigeria and Rwanda still remain in the hunt.
Where It All Lands: What’s Next
Egypt’s confirmed spot gives them breathing room as they face Guinea-Bissau in their final group match. Ghana, already leading Group I, remain likely to clinch qualification if they win their remaining fixtures and Madagascar slip. Cape Verde’s fate is particularly compelling: one more win, and they become one of the smallest nations ever to reach a World Cup.
As other groups enter decisive territory, the margins are thin. Every goal, every decision, every administrative ruling now matters more than ever.
Key Takeaways for African Football
The expanded 9-slot system for CAF gives more teams a shot—but only absolute consistency and discipline will deliver. Off-field errors can be as costly as missed chances — ask South Africa. Storylines like Cape Verde’s rise and Ghana’s steady form show that underdogs and powerhouses alike can write compelling narratives.
