The African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are underway, with four teams competing for a spot in the intercontinental play-off tournament. Here’s the lowdown:
Semi-Finals:
– Nigeria vs Gabon: 5:00 p.m. (Nigerian time) at Moulay El Hassan Stadium
– Cameroon vs DR Congo: 8:00 p.m. (local time) at Al Barid Stadium
Teams:
– Nigeria, ranked 41st in the FIFA World Rankings
– Cameroon, ranked 54th
– DR Congo, ranked 60th
– Gabon, ranked 77th
The winner of the play-offs will join Bolivia, New Caledonia, and teams from Asia and Concacaf in the six-nation Play-Off Tournament in March 2026, with two spots up for grabs for the World Cup.
Recent Developments:
– Nigeria’s players have resolved a bonus dispute, ensuring they’re focused on the game ahead.
– DR Congo has received FIFA approval to recruit two new players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Matthieu Epolo, for the play-offs.
