The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in collaboration with hosts Morocco, has confirmed the venues, dates, and kick-off times for the African Qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Inter-Continental Play-off tournament, which will take place from November 13 to 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.
The four-nation mini-tournament will feature Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria, with the winner set to advance to the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-off Tournament in March 2026, for a chance to secure Africa’s 10th and final place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The semi-finals will be held on Thursday, November 13, at El Barid Stadium and the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex. A draw scheduled for October 30, 2025, will determine which venue hosts each match.
In the first semi-final, Nigeria will take on Gabon at 8:00 PM EAT, followed by the second semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo at 11:00 PM EAT.
The final is set for Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, kicking off at 11:00 PM EAT.
The victorious side will advance to the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-off Tournament in March 2026, where they will compete for Africa’s 10th and final World Cup slot.
Nine african nations have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup are Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. The expanded 48-team format has granted Africa nine direct qualification spots plus one playoff opportunity.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude with the final on July 19 in New Jersey.
With potentially ten African teams at the 2026 World Cup, the continent will have its largest-ever representation, carrying renewed hope of achieving a historic breakthrough on the world stage.
By Michael Magona
