The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the full schedule, format, and venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs — setting up a decisive final stage for Nigeria’s Super Eagles and three other national teams.
According to a circular sent to all member associations, Morocco — host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — will also stage the African playoffs that will determine the continent’s final qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Playoff Format and Dates
The mini-tournament will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups after Matchday 10. The semi-final matches are slated for November 13, 2025, while the grand final will take place three days later on November 16, 2025.
CAF also disclosed that the FIFA World Rankings for October 2025, to be released on October 23, will determine the seeding for the playoff draw.
- The top-ranked team among the four runners-up will face the fourth-ranked side.
- The second-ranked nation will clash with the third-ranked team.
Potential Opponents for Nigeria
Current standings indicate that Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, or DR Congo are in contention for the four playoff slots. The final list will be confirmed after the last round of qualifiers.
If any match ends in a draw, extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout will decide the winner. Each team will be allowed five substitutions, with a sixth permitted during extra time.
Final Qualification Step
The winner of the Moroccan playoff tournament will progress to the intercontinental playoff in March 2026, where they will compete against representatives from Asia, South America, Oceania, and Concacaf for Africa’s 10th and final ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Super Eagles Await Playoff Draw
Nigeria secured their playoff spot after a resounding 4–0 win over Benin on the final day of the qualifiers. The Super Eagles will now wait for the October FIFA rankings and playoff draw to determine their exact opponents in the battle for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
