World Cup (Q): Raheriniaina discloses Madagascar determination to qualify

Madagascar forward El Hadary Raheriniaina is confident they still have a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries.

The Malagasy side is currently sitting second in Group I of the African qualifiers with 16 points, three fewer than leaders Ghana, while Comoros are third with 15 points, and Mali fourth with 12 points.

Despite the tightness of the group, who plays for French club Paris FC, is not giving up on their quest to qualify for the global tournament that will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

“The goal is to win our matches against Comoros and Mali, and the rest depends on Ghana because I think that one win will be enough for them to qualify. Their destiny is in their own hands. All we can do is try to win our matches and see what happens,” Raheriniaina said as quoted by FIFA.com.

“When the national team plays, everyone stops what they’re doing and watches the games. It gives us a lot of strength and energy,” continued Raheriniaina. “We’re playing for our country and we want to make history — and I believe we’ll do it. There’s a great atmosphere in the team and we always try to give everything in every match.”

‘Playing in World Cup would be incredible’

A second-place finish in Group I could see the Barea head to a play-off round as one of the best group runners-up.

He added: “Madagascar have already competed once in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, so playing in a World Cup would be incredible. It would be a dream come true,”

Madagascar will next face Comoros at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Wednesday, October 8 before coming up against Mali in their final group fixture at Stade du 26 Mars on Sunday, October 12.