Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume this week after a nine-month break, with big teams facing pressure to secure spots. The nine group winners will qualify directly, while the four best runners-up will battle for one final place via playoffs. Nigeria, currently winless, must recover under new coach Eric Chelle. Mali’s new boss Tom Saintfiet looks to close a four-point gap in Group I. Senegal faces surprising Group B leaders Sudan, and Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, remains dominant in Group A. Meanwhile, Congo-Brazzaville’s FIFA suspension complicates Group E standings. With managerial shake-ups and tight group standings, these two matchdays will be crucial in shaping Africa’s representation at the 2026 World Cup.
Source: BBC
