Senegal and Ivory Coast have claimed Africa’s final two automatic qualifying places for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa in next year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

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Senegal Clinch Group B with Dominant Win

Senegal secured first place in Group B with a 4-0 victory over Mauritania at home. Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a free-kick just before halftime and later added a second. Iliman Ndiaye contributed a spectacular solo goal, and Habib Diallo completed the scoring late on.

The Teranga Lions finished two points ahead of DR Congo, who defeated Sudan 1-0 thanks to Theo Bongonda’s first-half strike. Senegal’s qualification marks another World Cup appearance for the African powerhouse, with Mane finally making the tournament after missing the 2022 finals through injury.

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Ivory Coast Dominate Group F

In Group F, Ivory Coast returned to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014 with a perfect defensive record, not conceding a single goal in 10 matches—a feat matched only by Tunisia on the continent.

The Elephants defeated Kenya 3-0 in Abidjan, with goals from Franck Kessie, teenager Yan Diomande, and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, who curled in a stunning free-kick.

Ivory Coast finished one point ahead of Gabon, who beat Burundi 2-0 in Franceville with late goals from Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina.

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Africa’s World Cup Contenders

With these results, Africa’s confirmed World Cup representatives are:

• Morocco
• Tunisia
• Egypt
• Algeria
• Ghana
• Cape Verde
• South Africa
• Senegal
• Ivory Coast

One more African team could join through continental play-offs and an inter-confederation tournament scheduled for March 2026. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to announce the date for the play-off draw.

The top second-placed sides—Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria—will compete for this final chance to secure Africa’s 10th spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.

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Key Takeaways

• Senegal topped Group B, led by Sadio Mane’s two-goal display.
• Ivory Coast finished Group F unbeaten, not conceding a single goal.
• Both teams join Africa’s growing list of World Cup qualifiers ahead of the 2026 finals.
• One more African nation will have a chance through play-offs and inter-confederation qualifiers.