2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Matchday 7 Set to Define Africa’s Contenders

Posted : 02 September 2025

Africa’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies this week, with Matchday 7 fixtures scheduled from Wednesday, September 3 to Saturday, September 6. The results are expected to provide a clearer picture of which nations could secure a ticket to next year’s global tournament in North America.

The action begins on Wednesday afternoon in Group F, where Gabon will be confident of earning an away win against Seychelles. Victory would see them temporarily overtake reigning AFCON champions Ivory Coast at the top of the table. The Elephants will respond on Friday when they host Burundi in Abidjan, with coach Emerse Fae banking on German-based teenager Bazoumana Toure to add speed and flair to his attack.

Thursday promises a packed schedule. Ghana aim to strengthen their grip on Group I with a win over Chad in N’Djamena, while Cape Verde and Cameroon continue their neck-and-neck race in Group D. The Blue Sharks face Mauritius away, and the Indomitable Lions will play host to Eswatini.

Algeria and Tunisia, both heavyweights in North African football, are also tipped to consolidate their commanding positions in Groups G and H. Algeria welcome Botswana in Tizi Ouzou, while Tunisia take on Liberia in Tunis. A win for Tunisia could see them extend their lead to seven points over Namibia.

Friday features one of the most anticipated fixtures: Morocco, semifinalists at Qatar 2022, could become the first African team to guarantee qualification. A victory against Niger in Rabat would seal their spot, regardless of the outcome between Congo and Tanzania earlier in Brazzaville. Coach Walid Regragui has urged his side to focus on the Niger clash, which he described as “the key to qualification,” before turning attention to Zambia.

Egypt, dominant leaders in Group A, will look to edge closer to qualification when they face Ethiopia in Cairo. In Group B, a tight battle continues among DR Congo, Senegal, and Sudan, with just one point separating the top three. DR Congo visit South Sudan, while Senegal and Sudan face off in Diamniadio in a potential group-decider.

South Africa, sitting firmly atop Group C, will take on Lesotho in Bloemfontein on Friday evening, while Saturday’s lone fixture in Uyo sees Nigeria battling Rwanda. The Super Eagles, who have struggled for consistency, know that a win is vital to revive their hopes ahead of their crucial trip to face South Africa next Tuesday.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Matchday 7 Set to Define Africa’s Contenders

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