Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal have booked their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both nations recorded commanding victories in their final group games on Tuesday, sealing Africa’s last two automatic qualification spots. The wins see the reigning African champions and the Teranga Lions join seven other nations who had already confirmed their tickets to football’s biggest stage.
Senegal, led by star forward Sadio Mané, produced a dominant display in Dakar, brushing aside Mauritania 4–0 to clinch top spot in Group B. The victory ensured Aliou Cissé’s side finished two points clear of DR Congo, who edged Sudan 1–0 in Kinshasa.
Mané opened the scoring with a superb free-kick just before half-time, setting the tone for a one-sided affair. The former Liverpool attacker doubled his tally after the restart, calmly finishing from close range. Iliman Ndiaye added a brilliant solo goal, weaving through defenders before slotting home, while Habib Diallo completed the rout with a late strike to spark celebrations across Senegal.
With the result, Senegal extended their unbeaten run in the qualifiers, demonstrating the balance and discipline that have made it one of Africa’s most consistent teams. Their qualification marks a third consecutive World Cup appearance, continuing a proud legacy that began with their famous debut in 2002.
Meanwhile, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire underlined its dominance in Group F with a comprehensive 3–0 win over Kenya. Franck Kessié set the tone early, converting a precise effort after a flowing move from midfield. Teenager Yan Diomande then doubled the lead with a thunderous strike from distance after the interval, before Manchester United’s Amad Diallo sealed the victory with a beautifully curled free-kick.
The Elephants’ win ensured they finished one point ahead of Gabon, who themselves defeated Burundi 2–0 in Franceville courtesy of late goals from Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina. Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification capped off a flawless defensive campaign — remarkably, they went through all ten group matches without conceding a single goal, a feat matched only by Tunisia across the continent.
The qualification marks a strong statement from the current African champions, who lifted the 2023 AFCON trophy on home soil earlier this year. Under coach Emerse Faé, the Ivorians have combined youth and experience to great effect, with players like Kessié, Diomande, and Amad leading a new generation of talent.
Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal now join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa as Africa’s confirmed representatives at the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, the door remains open for one more African nation. The continent’s tenth possible spot will be decided through a playoff and subsequent inter-confederation tournament scheduled for early 2026.
According to CAF, Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria finished as the four highest-ranked runners-up across the nine qualifying groups. These nations will contest the continental playoffs next month, with the winner advancing to the FIFA inter-confederation playoff in March — a last-chance pathway to the World Cup.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to announce the official date for the playoff draw, but excitement is already building as the Super Eagles, Indomitable Lions, Leopards, and Panthers prepare for the decisive showdown.
For now, the spotlight shines on Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, two powerhouses that have once again showcased their consistency and quality on the international stage. Both sides will now shift focus to fine-tuning their squads ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Africa will be represented by some of its finest footballing nations.
