RABAT, Morocco (FN) — Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Gabon in the semifinals of the African zone play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the conclusion of the group stage on Tuesday.
Nigeria advanced to the play-offs after a dominant 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, finishing second in their qualifying group. Gabon also progressed after a 2–0 win over Burundi, with results elsewhere — including Ivory Coast’s win over Kenya — securing their place as one of the four best group runners-up.
Democratic Republic of Congo joined the play-off field with a 1–0 win over Sudan, finishing behind Senegal in Group B. Cameroon claimed second place in Group D behind Cape Verde, rounding out the quartet set for the play-off mini-tournament.
The tournament will take place in Morocco from Nov. 13 to 16, featuring single-leg semifinals and a final. The two semifinal winners will meet in a one-off final, with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026. One final qualification spot is available via this route for an African team.
Nigeria, projected to remain the highest-ranked team among the four when FIFA updates its rankings on Oct. 23, has been drawn to face the lowest-ranked side, Gabon. The other semifinal will see Cameroon face DR Congo.
Both semifinals are scheduled for Nov. 13, with the final taking place on Nov. 16. If necessary, matches will go to extra time and penalties.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to announce host cities and stadiums in the coming days.
Nine African teams have already secured direct qualification to the expanded 48-team World Cup to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The play-offs offer one additional path for an African nation to join them.
