Morocco to host CAF World Cup qualifying playoffs in November

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that Morocco will host the African playoff stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

According to the new qualification format, nine group winners from the ongoing African qualifiers will secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up will advance to the CAF playoff round for one remaining spot in the intercontinental playoff.

CAF confirmed that the playoff matches will take place in November in Morocco. The structure will see the first-ranked runner-up face the fourth-ranked, and the second-ranked play the third-ranked, with the winners meeting in the final to determine who advances to the intercontinental playoff.

CAF Playoff Format:

• Semifinal 1: 1st vs 4th

• Semifinal 2: 2nd vs 3rd

• Final: Winner of Semifinal 1 vs Winner of Semifinal 2

The African playoff winner will then compete in the global intercontinental playoff, scheduled for March 2026.

CAF had earlier clarified in an official circular (dated March 14) that, when ranking second-placed teams, results against the bottom-ranked teams in each group will be excluded, due to the withdrawal of Eritrea from Group E.

The ranking of second-placed teams before the final round:

Note: The standings and points may change depending on results involving the bottom teams in Groups 2 and 4, which include DR Congo and Cameroon.

With Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia already securing their spots at the 2026 World Cup, the remaining drama now centers on which nations will claim the other 5 direct spots and the four playoff berths for a final chance to reach the global stage.

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