With Africa’s 9 automatic qualification spots now confirmed, the race for a potential tenth representative at the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final, nerve-wracking phase. Four of the continent’s heavyweights ; Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon, will face off in the CAF Play-offs this November in Morocco, with only one earning the right to advance to the inter-confederation play-off tournament in Mexico.

The semi-finals are slated for 13 November 2025, followed by the decisive final on 16 November. The winner will carry Africa’s last hopes into the global play-offs, battling for a historic tenth continental slot at the World Cup.

CAF confirmed that the ranking of runners-up was determined using an adjusted points system, following Eritrea’s withdrawal from Group E which left Morocco’s group with only eight matches instead of ten and no deduction applicable to 2nd placed team. To maintain fairness, points gained against bottom-placed teams in each group were excluded from the final tally.

That adjustment dramatically reshaped the standings and Nigeria emerged the ultimate beneficiary. The Super Eagles lost only two points from their total after draws with Zimbabwe, while Burkina Faso suffered a heavier deduction of six points from victories over Djibouti. The fine margins ultimately favored Nigeria, who edged Burkina Faso on goal difference for the final play-off spot.

It was a night of miracles for the Super Eagles, who clawed their way into the play-offs with a statement 4–0 rout over Benin on the final day of Group C action. Heading into the match, Nigeria sat third, and Benin needed just a draw to secure qualification. But football had other plans. Victor Osimhen rose to the occasion with a sensational hat-trick, and it was Onyeka’s 90+4-minute goal that proved decisive, propelling Nigeria past Burkina Faso on goal difference ; after both teams had been tied on goals scored until that final strike.

Elsewhere, the Democratic Republic of Congo also kept their dream alive, doing it the hard way with a tense 1–0 win to secure second place and their play-off ticket. Knowing that any slip could cost them, the Leopards played with composure, balancing caution with determination to claim the crucial three points that sealed their qualification.

Gabon, meanwhile, had their fate effectively sealed before kickoff but still fought hard to end their campaign on a high. They needed both a win over Gambia and a Côte d’Ivoire slip-up to qualify automatically, but the Elephants’ triumph ended that hope. A 2–0 win against Gambia nevertheless secured Gabon top of the runners-up standings, confirming their place among the final four.

Cameroon completed the play-off lineup by edging out stiff competition in a crowded tie. The Indomitable Lions’ superior goal difference proved decisive in a four-way logjam on 15 points alongside Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. That margin ensured their survival and another shot at reaching the world stage.

The official semi-final pairings will see Nigeria face Gabon, while Cameroon lock horns with DR Congo .The winner will advance to the Intercontinental Play-offs in pursuit of one of the two remaining slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.