The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup spots in Africa is heating up as the group stage of the qualifiers approaches its climax. With seven places available, the competition is fierce, and only the nine group winners are guaranteed a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Morocco and Tunisia have already secured their places, while other teams are fighting tooth and nail to join them. Cape Verde is on the verge of making history with their first-ever World Cup appearance, needing just one more victory. Egypt and Algeria are also in strong positions, with three points from their next two games likely securing their spots. The four best-ranked second-placed teams will enter play-offs next month, with the winners getting another chance to qualify via an intercontinental route. Continental heavyweights like Cameroon and Nigeria are in danger of missing out, adding to the drama. Egypt has a five-point lead over Burkina Faso and is expected to secure qualification with a win against Djibouti. Burkina Faso, Senegal, and DR Congo are also in the mix, with Senegal holding a one-point lead in Group B. South Africa’s chances took a hit after FIFA ruled they fielded an ineligible player, turning a 2-0 win into a 3-0 forfeit. Cape Verde’s shock victory over Cameroon has put them in a strong position, while Morocco has already qualified with two games to spare. Ivory Coast, Gabon, Algeria, and Tunisia are also in strong positions, with Ghana leading their group. The final rounds of qualifiers promise to be thrilling, with much still to be decided.