As the group stage of African qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax, seven spots are up for grabs. While fans of the countries involved are clamouring to watch crucial final games of this qualifying campaign, betting enthusiasts are also looking for no deposit bonuses online-casinosaustralia.com/no-deposit-bonus to help them make the most of this thrilling time in the football calendar.
Some nations have already qualified, while others are in a strong position to do so. Some will eventually need the play-offs, while others are left completely out in the cold.
At the time of writing, Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Ghana are leading their respective groups, while Cameroon may have to settle for the play-offs. Other giants of African football are on the verge, and some are underperforming.
Let's take a look at which of these great nations are looking most likely to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Egypt, with a five-point lead over Burkina Faso in Group A, are expected to secure qualification with a victory against Djibouti in midweek.
Meanwhile, their closest rivals, Burkina Faso, despite being the favourites to finish second, will need to secure maximum points from their remaining games to have a chance at the play-offs. Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau also have slim chances of securing second place in Group A.
Senegal, after a comeback win against DR Congo, hold a one-point lead at the top of Group B. Two wins from their remaining games will seal their third successive World Cup qualification. DR Congo and Sudan, however, are still in the race.
In Group C, Benin have taken advantage of sanctions placed on South Africa. Since FIFA ruled that South Africa fielded an ineligible player earlier in the campaign, Benin have taken the lead in Group C. However, the race for the top spot is still wide open with giants Nigeria and Rwanda also in contention.
Cape Verde are on the brink of making history. The island nation's surprise victory over one of the biggest powerhouses of African football, Cameroon, has put them four points clear at the top of Group D. A win in either of their remaining games will secure a historic first World Cup qualification for the country, something which could be very intriguing for bettors.
Morocco have romped to qualification in Group E, leaving Tanzania, Niger, and Zambia in the dust to battle for second place. Arguably the best team in Africa right now, boasting the likes of Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, Morocco will be many people's favourites to play dark horses at the tournament itself.
Another massive player in African football is the Ivory Coast, who hold a slender lead in Group F. They are one point ahead of West African rivals Gabon. Both teams have a chance to secure the top spot in their remaining games.
Algeria have almost secured qualification from Group G, heading into this run of games, as they have achieved a four-point lead at the top. Uganda and Mozambique are battling for second place and a playoff spot.
Tunisia have already secured the top spot in Group H, leaving Namibia as the likely second-place finisher.
Ghana are in control of Group I, with a three-point lead over Madagascar and Comoros. A win in their next game and a loss for Madagascar will secure their qualification.
For those teams unable to secure a top spot in their respective groups, the best four second-placed finishers across the nine groups will enter the African play-offs in November.
The play-off format is yet to be announced, but the overall winner will progress to the intercontinental qualifiers scheduled for March next year. There, they will play a team from another FIFA confederation.
As the race for Africa's spots at the 2026 World Cup heats up, sports fans and sports betting fans alike will be eagerly watching the unfolding drama.
