The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see four nations battle it out for a spot in a playoff tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo will compete in a mini knockout competition in Rabat, Morocco, with only one team earning the right to advance to the inter-continental play-offs.
For the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the do-or-die play-off against Gabon is a final opportunity to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Meanwhile, Cameroon faces DR Congo in the other semi-final, which sets up an exciting path to the final, where only one nation will progress to the global inter-continental qualifiers.
Massive fixtures. Everything on the line.
Get ready for the African #WCQ Play-off Tournament in Morocco! pic.twitter.com/KD8ipsauMQ
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 31, 2025
Fans across Africa and the world are eager to follow every moment, from kick-off to the final whistle, as these national teams fight for a shot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Date, time & venue
The African play-off mini-tournament will be held in Rabat, Morocco, from 13 to 16 November 2025. The semi-final match between Nigeria and Gabon is scheduled for Thursday, 13 November 2025, with kick-off at 17:00 WAT (16:00 GMT).
Nigeria will face Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan stadium, while the other semi-final, Cameroon vs DR Congo, will take place at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat at 20:00 WAT.
Single-leg knockouts determine the semi-finals and the final, which makes every minute of play critical. The winner of the final will secure a place in the inter-continental play-offs, the last step before the World Cup itself.
What happens if Nigeria win or lose?
If Nigeria win their semi-final against Gabon, they advance to the final on 16 November 2025, where they will face the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo.
Victory in that final guarantees a place in the inter-continental play-offs, scheduled for March 2026, giving them a final opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
If Nigeria lose either the semi-final or the final, their World Cup journey ends, and they will not progress further in CAF qualification.
Verified squad lists
Nigeria
Key players in Nigeria’s 24-man squad include:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi‑Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredricks, William Troost‑Ekong
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun
Cameroon
Key players include:
Goalkeepers: André Onana, Devis Epassy, Simon Omossola
Defenders: Jean-Charles Castelletto, Michael Ngadeu, Nouhou Tolo, Malcom Bokele, Darlin Yongwa, Jackson Tchatchoua, Mahamadou Nagida, Enzo Boyomo
Midfielders: André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Carlos Baleba, Martin Hongla, Jean Onana, Yvan Neyou, Arthur Avom, Wilitty Younoussa, Danny Namaso
Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Bryan Mbeumo, Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, Christian Bassogog, Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu, Frank Magri, Karl Etta Eyong, Patrick Soko
DR Congo
Key players include:
Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo, Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi
Defenders: Rocky Bushiri, Gédéon Kalulu, Steve Kapuadi, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Midfielders: Theo Bongonda, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Edo Kayembe, Nathanaël Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki, Mario Stroeykens
Forwards: Cedric Bakambu, Samuel Essende, Brian Cipenga, Meshack Elia, Fiston Mayele
Gabon
Key stars include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and other first-team regulars:
Goalkeepers: François Junior Bekale, Loyce Mbaba, Lukas Mounguenou, Demba Anse Ngoubi
Defenders: Aaron Appindangoye, Jonathan do Marcolino, Jacques Ekomie, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Yannis Mbemba, Johan Obiang, Mike Kila Onfia, Anthony Oyono, Jérémy Oyono
Midfielders: Oumar Samake Nze Bagnama, Eric Bocoum, Guelor Kanga, Mario Lemina, Didier Ndong, André Biyogho Poko
Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Teddy Averlant, Denis Bouanga, Alan do Marcolino, Randy Essang Matouti, Noha Lemina, Bryan Meyo
What happens next after the final?
The winner of the African play-off tournament will progress to the inter-continental play-offs in March 2026. There, they will face teams from other confederations, who are also fighting for a final opportunity to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, the nine CAF group winners from the earlier rounds have already qualified directly for the World Cup, which makes this mini-tournament a crucial final chance for the remaining African teams.
