The race for Africa’s spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes on Wednesday, March 19, as the continent’s top footballing nations aim to strengthen their qualification hopes.
Matchday 5 of the group stage kicks off with three fixtures across Africa, headlined by Cameroon’s clash against Eswatini in neutral Nelspruit, South Africa. The Indomitable Lions, boasting eight World Cup appearances, are eager to solidify their lead in Group D. However, ongoing tensions between Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) president Samuel Eto’o and head coach Marc Brys continue to cast a shadow.
"I'm not answering that. We're here for the Lions' list. No one congratulated me on qualifying [for the Africa Cup of Nations]," Brys responded when asked about Eto’o’s recent election to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee.
On Thursday, Mozambique will look to edge closer to a historic first-ever World Cup appearance as they take on Uganda in a crucial Group G encounter in Cairo, Egypt.
"I believe in the work we are doing, and the results are there for all to see. When you dream big and fully commit, anything is possible," said coach Chiquinho Conde, underlining his team’s ambitions.
Super Eagles Enter a New Era
Friday’s action focuses on Groups C and I. In Group C, Nigeria will be determined to revive their qualifying campaign against surprise leaders Rwanda in Kigali, while South Africa, level on points with Rwanda, will be confident of overcoming Lesotho in Polokwane.
The Super Eagles are ushering in a new chapter under coach Eric Chelle, who has already gained the trust of key forward Victor Osimhen.
"I've spoken to him a few times and fully understand his vision for the team," said the Galatasaray striker. "Winning takes more than just a coach—it requires every player to be at their best, fully committed, and striving towards our collective goal."
In Group I, Ghana faces a must-win match against Chad in Accra, following their shock failure to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Under mounting pressure, coach Otto Addo has called for unity and support from the Greater Accra Chiefs and the wider football community.
"We have tough matches ahead, and Ghana needs victories to reach the World Cup. That’s why we must support each other, especially with the backing of the GA Chiefs and our passionate supporters," said Addo.
Friday also features Egypt and Morocco aiming to extend their dominance in Groups A and E with away fixtures against Ethiopia and Niger, respectively. Meanwhile, Saturday’s standout clash sees Group B leaders Sudan and Senegal go head-to-head in Benghazi, Libya.
Despite the ongoing civil unrest in their homeland, Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane have impressed under former Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah. On the other side, Senegal’s Teranga Lions will look to integrate 19-year-old winger Assane Diao, who was born in Spain to Senegalese parents and currently plays for Serie A side Como.
African World Cup Qualifying Fixtures (March 19-22)
Wednesday, March 19 6pm: Eswatini vs Cameroon 6pm: Liberia vs Tunisia 6pm: Central African Republic vs Madagascar
Thursday, March 20 3pm: Mozambique vs Uganda 6pm: Sierra Leone vs Guinea-Bissau 6pm: Zimbabwe vs Benin 6pm: Cape Verde vs Mauritius 6pm: Malawi vs Namibia 9pm: Libya vs Angola 9pm: Gabon vs Seychelles 9pm: Gambia vs Kenya 11pm: Comoros vs Mali
Friday, March 21 3pm: Botswana vs Algeria 3pm: Equatorial Guinea vs São Tomé & Príncipe 6pm: Burkina Faso vs Djibouti 6pm: DR Congo vs South Sudan 6pm: South Africa vs Lesotho 6pm: Rwanda vs Nigeria 9pm: Burundi vs Ivory Coast 9pm: Ghana vs Chad 11pm: Ethiopia vs Egypt 11pm: Guinea vs Somalia 11pm: Niger vs Morocco
Saturday, March 22 6pm: Togo vs Mauritania 9pm: Sudan vs Senegal