Cape Verde and Ghana have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining seven other African nations in a historic lineup that leaves Nigeria and others battling for play-off spots.
Cape Verde and Ghana have emerged as standout qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, turning disappointment over missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations into triumph.
Both nations secured their spots in the expanded 48-team tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They join Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia as Africa’s nine automatic qualifiers.
Cape Verde, with just over half a million people, made history as the smallest nation by land mass to reach the World Cup. Coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito said, “We have earned respect in Africa, now we must earn respect in the world.” South Africa also sealed qualification, edging out Nigeria by one point, while Ghana bounced back with captain Jordan Ayew’s decisive performances.
Morocco maintained a perfect record, continuing their impressive run from the 2022 semi-finals. Meanwhile, Seychelles endured a bruising campaign, conceding 53 goals and setting an unwanted record with a 9-0 loss to Ivory Coast.
Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, and DR Congo will now compete in a mini-tournament in November for a chance to reach intercontinental play-offs in March.