World Cup (Q): CAF reveals official criteria for group runners-up; how it affects each team

After a long period of uncertainty during 2026 World Cup qualifying, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed the criteria it will use to determine the four group runners-up who will participate in the African regional playoff.

CAF announced that for every group except Group E, results against the last placed team in each group will not count towards the point totals for the runner-up teams in each group. Here is the updated table of the group runners-up following the decision.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Table of Group Runners-up

1. Gabon- 16 points (GD: +4)
2. Cameroon- 14 points (GD: +11)
3. DR Congo- 13 points (GD: +4)
4. Madagascar- 13 points (GD: +3)
5. Burkina Faso- 12 points (GD: +4)
6. Uganda- 12 points (GD: +3)
7. Niger- 12 points (GD: 0)
8. South Africa- 11 points (GD: +1)
9. Namibia- 9 points (GD: +1)

As a reminder, the confusion and uncertainty in the African region began when Eritrea withdrew before qualifying began, leaving Group E with only five teams compared to six teams in each of the other eight groups. Niger are currently the second place team in Group E

The best four runners-up from the nine groups will advance to the Second Round, a four-team single eliminated playoff where the winner will advance to an inter-confederation playoff involving six teams. The four lowest ranked teams according to the FIFA rankings will play each other with the winners advancing to face the two best ranked teams, where the winners of those matches will qualify for the World Cup finals.

With the updated table, there is hope for Niger while a couple of teams are now confirmed to be eliminated from contention to qualify. Notably, Namibia are eliminated while Zambia, who could overtake Niger for second place with a victory at home to close out Group E against the Menas, are also eliminated.

Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s four goals in Friday’s 4-3 victory over Gambia, are now guaranteed at least a place in the regional playoff. They could still overtake Group F leaders Ivory Coast if results go the way of the Panthers on Matchday 10.

The new regulations set up a final matchday that will have plenty of drama. The situation may change for each team throughout the next few days, as the last place teams in each group may change based on results.