The journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, intensifies as African teams prepare for decisive Matchday 6 qualifiers.
With the stakes higher than ever, group leaders aim to consolidate their positions, while teams still in the race will fight to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The upcoming fixtures for today, March 24, and Tuesday, March 25, promise high-stakes drama, crucial battles, and potential upsets as teams vie for a spot in the world’s most prestigious football tournament.
Key Fixtures and What to Expect
Monday, March 24, 2025
- Central African Republic vs. Mali (Group I) – 16:00 GMT
Mali currently sits at the top of Group I and remains a strong favorite to qualify for the World Cup. With a mix of young talents and experienced players, they will look to cement their position at the top. - The Central African Republic, however, has proven to be a difficult opponent at home and will aim to disrupt Mali’s dominance.
- Guinea-Bissau vs. Burkina Faso (Group A) – 16:00 GMT
Burkina Faso, a team that has shown promise in recent years, faces a tricky away fixture against Guinea-Bissau. While the Stallions are expected to push for three points, Guinea-Bissau has a history of frustrating stronger sides, making this an unpredictable encounter. - Liberia vs. São Tomé and Príncipe (Group H) – 16:00 GMT
Liberia will view this match as an opportunity to claim valuable points against a São Tomé and Príncipe side that has struggled defensively throughout the qualifiers. A win here could push Liberia further up the group standings. - Ivory Coast vs. Gambia (Group F) – 19:00 GMT
Fresh from winning the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast enters this match as the clear favorite. Their attacking prowess, combined with a strong defense, makes them a formidable side at home. Gambia, on the other hand, will have to put up an inspired performance to stand a chance against the Elephants. - Madagascar vs. Ghana (Group I) – 19:00 GMT
Ghana, four-time African champions, will be looking to avoid any slip-ups against Madagascar. After a shaky start to their qualification campaign, the Black Stars need a solid performance to keep their hopes alive. Madagascar, despite being the underdogs, has pulled off surprising results in the past. - Ethiopia vs. Djibouti (Group A) – 21:00 GMT
Ethiopia will aim to capitalize on Djibouti’s defensive frailties. A win here would boost Ethiopia’s campaign, but Djibouti could cause problems if underestimated. - Tunisia vs. Malawi (Group H) – 21:00 GMT
Tunisia, one of Africa’s most consistent World Cup participants, is expected to dominate this match. However, Malawi has been known to cause trouble for big teams, making this an interesting contest.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
- Botswana vs. Somalia (Group H) – 13:00 GMT
Botswana will see this as a winnable game, given Somalia’s struggles in the qualifiers. However, Somalia will look to cause an upset and put points on the board. - Angola vs. Cape Verde (Group D) – 16:00 GMT
This fixture could be one of the most competitive of the round. Angola and Cape Verde have both been in good form and are fighting for qualification. The outcome of this match could have major implications on Group D’s standings.
Recent Form and Key Storylines
Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 win over Rwanda last Friday set the tone for the week, displaying the Super Eagles’ intent. With a wealth of attacking options, including Victor Osimhen, Nigeria remains a favorite to qualify.
Also, Senegal and Morocco have shown consistency, further reinforcing their status as Africa’s top teams.
Burkina Faso and Mali have emerged as strong contenders, showing that the traditional powerhouses could face stiff competition for qualification. Mali’s recent performances have been particularly impressive, and they will look to maintain their momentum against the Central African Republic.
Potential First-Time Qualifiers
As the qualifiers progress, several nations are in contention to secure their first-ever World Cup appearance. Sudan, Comoros, and Guinea-Bissau have all impressed, proving that Africa’s football landscape continues to evolve.
A qualification spot for any of these nations would mark a historic achievement and signal a shift in African football.
Impact on the African Football Landscape
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams means more African nations will have a chance to qualify.
This has made the competition even fiercer, as teams that traditionally struggled to qualify now see an opportunity to break into the global stage.
The upcoming fixtures could also influence FIFA rankings, affecting future tournament seedings.
Teams that perform well in these qualifiers will strengthen their positions, increasing their chances of better group placements in the World Cup draw.
With qualification on the line, the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Africa promise excitement, surprises, and intense battles. Powerhouses like Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast will aim to maintain their dominance, while emerging teams seek to make history.
Football fans across the continent eagerly await these crucial encounters, knowing that each result could shape the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The next few days will provide clarity on which teams are edging closer to World Cup qualification and which ones will need to regroup before the next phase of matches. As Africa’s best battle it out, the continent’s footballing future looks brighter than ever.
