Rabat to host 2026 African World Cup play-offs

The Moroccan city of Rabat is set to stage the 2026 African World Cup qualification play-offs featuring teams from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria, as announced by the Confederation of African Football on Wednesday.

In the opening semi-final on November 13, Nigeria will take on Gabon in a clash highlighting two prominent forwards: Victor Osimhen from Turkey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Marseille.

A hat-trick by Osimhen in a recent group stage game against Rwanda enabled Nigeria to advance to the play-offs via goal difference, edging out Burkina Faso.

On the same day but at another location, the Democratic Republic of Congo will meet Cameroon, the African nation with the most World Cup participations at eight.

This encounter could see involvement from Manchester Uniteds Bryan Mbeumo, whose recent two goals against Brighton propelled the team to sixth position in the Premier League.

The Democratic Republic of Congo aims for a second appearance; they competed as Zaire in 1974, suffering defeats including a heavy 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia.

The victor of this small tournament will proceed to intercontinental play-offs involving six teams in March at a yet-to-be-announced site, with two spots available for the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Bolivia and New Caledonia have already qualified, while Iraq or the UAE will represent Asia, and Curacao along with Costa Rica lead as favourites for the two Caribbean and Central American berths.

Semi-finals

Nov 13 - Gabon v Nigeria (1600 GMT), Cameroon v DR Congo (1900 GMT)

Final

Nov 17 - 1900 GMT

- All matches in Rabat