World Cup Qualification CAF news

GOAL breaks down all the confirmed qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, plus the teams who could soon be on their way.

The final international window before the end of the 2025-26 club season is here. For most of the globe's traditional powerhouses, this month is about finetuning ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But not every team has the luxury of such forward planning, with several big-hitters still yet to punch their ticket to the tournament.

The latest information on the World Cup 2026 draw, including the date, what to expect in terms of teams and pots, and how to watch.

FIFA Play-Off Tournament — how it works, who qualifies, seeding, format, schedule and other key points you should know.

Bryan Mbeumo cut a heartbroken figure after Cameroon's World Cup hopes collapsed in dramatic fashion, with the Manchester United star storming off alone after a stoppage-time defeat to DR Congo. The Indomitable Lions suffered a crushing 1-0 loss in the CAF play-offs, ending their bid to reach the 2026 tournament and leaving their talisman visibly emotional in the rain.

The two nations are set to renew their rivalry in the next couple of weeks when they face each other in search of a slot in the global competition.

In The Black Stars Podcast Nii Lamptey reveals the details of how as a 15-year-old he ended up playing in Europe for Belgian club Anderlecht.

Morocco booked their place at the 2026 World Cup on Friday night with a big win over Niger.

Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams suffered a major blow as the Super Eagles laboured to a draw against South Africa, leaving fans furious and making 'embarrassing' comparisons to Manchester United’s recent struggles. The result leaves Nigeria precariously placed in their group, with only one win in eight matches.

Andre Onana has been torn apart on social media after the Manchester United flop cheaply gave away a goal in Cameroon's 1-0 loss to Cape Verde.

Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow just days before the Manchester derby after Omar Marmoush was spotted in a leg brace and on crutches following a knee injury sustained on international duty. The 25-year-old forward, a January signing who has quickly become a favourite under Pep Guardiola, suffered the problem in Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

In the third episode of The Black Stars Podcast, we examine how diaspora players impact Ghana's football ambitions and the broader issues of identity, preparation and infrastructure that influence their decisions.

Mzansi might be forced to win their last two Group C games to get their ticket after the World Football Governing Body opened a case against Hugo Broos' side.

Five Premier League players - including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey - were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.