CAF reveals venue, dates, and format for 2026 World Cup qualifier playoffs
By Tosin Omojola –
The 2026 World Cup qualifier playoffs from the African zone will be held in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced.
CAF also confirmed that the selection of the four countries to participate in the playoffs will be determined by its current rankings.
In a circular signed by Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, all member associations were informed of the dates, venue, and structure of the mini-tournament, which will determine Africa’s representative in the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 World Cup.
According to the format, the semi-final matches will be played on November 13, 2025, while the final is scheduled for November 16, 2025, in the North African country.
The playoffs will feature the four best second-placed teams from the nine CAF qualifying groups after Matchday 10, set for mid-October.
The October 2025 FIFA Rankings, to be released on October 23, will determine the seeding for the draw.
The top-ranked team will face the fourth-best, while the second and third-ranked teams will clash in the other semi-final.
The playoffs are expected to be fiercely contested, with nations like Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar among those still vying for a chance to secure the continent’s final ticket to the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
