2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Africa’s Finest Gears Up for Matchday 6 Battles
The race to secure spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues this week as Africa’s top national teams prepare for Matchday 6 of the qualifiers. With the prestigious tournament set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the stakes are higher than ever for African teams hoping to grace the global stage next year.
As the competition heats up, both favorites and underdogs are sharpening their tactics to either maintain their qualifying positions or snatch a coveted spot at the biggest football showpiece in the world.
Key Matches to Watch Out For
On Monday, March 24, 2025, several intriguing matchups will unfold. Central African Republic will face Mali in a Group I showdown at 16:00 GMT, while the ever-competitive Ivory Coast battles Gambia at 19:00 GMT. The match between Tunisia and Malawi at 21:00 GMT is another game fans will be eagerly watching.
The action continues on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, with notable fixtures including:
Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe (16:00 GMT, Group C) - The Super Eagles will be looking to secure all three points on home soil.
Cameroon vs. Libya (19:00 GMT, Group D) - A thrilling encounter expected to test both teams’ resolve.
Senegal vs. Togo (21:00 GMT, Group L) - The Lions of Teranga are strong favorites but will need to remain cautious against a resilient Togolese side.
Morocco vs. Tanzania (21:30 GMT, Group E) - The Atlas Lions aim to prove their mettle as one of Africa’s best teams.
Complete Fixture List (All times in GMT)
Monday, 24 March 2025:
Group I: Central African Republic vs. Mali (16:00)
Group A: Guinea-Bissau vs. Burkina Faso (16:00)
Group H: Liberia vs. São Tomé and Príncipe (16:00)
Group F: Ivory Coast vs. Gambia (19:00)
Group I: Madagascar vs. Ghana (19:00)
Group A: Ethiopia vs. Djibouti (21:00)
Group H: Tunisia vs. Malawi (21:00)
Tuesday, 25 March 2025:
Group H: Botswana vs. Somalia (13:00)
Group D: Angola vs. Cape Verde (16:00)
Group C: Benin vs. South Africa (16:00)
Group C: Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe (16:00)
Group C: Rwanda vs. Lesotho (16:00)
Group G: Uganda vs. Guinea (16:00)
Group F: Burundi vs. Seychelles (19:00)
Group D: Cameroon vs. Libya (19:00)
Group A: Egypt vs. Sierra Leone (19:00)
Group K: Sudan vs. South Sudan (19:00)
Group G: Algeria vs. Mozambique (21:00)
Group I: Comoros vs. Chad (21:00)
Group C: Mauritania vs. DR Congo (21:00)
Group L: Senegal vs. Togo (21:00)
Group E: Morocco vs. Tanzania (21:30)
Opinion: Africa’s World Cup Ambitions – Who Will Make It To The Top?
As we progress towards the final stages of the qualifiers, it is evident that Africa’s powerhouses are eager to cement their spots at the 2026 World Cup. However, the rise of smaller footballing nations has added excitement and unpredictability to the qualifiers.
The likes of Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, and Algeria are expected to qualify, but the question remains whether the underdogs can upset the established order. The beauty of football lies in its unpredictability, and fans across the continent will be glued to their screens, hoping their teams achieve their World Cup dreams.
What are your predictions for the African qualifiers? Will we see any shocking exits or surprising successes?
