The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the matchday regulations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff fixtures, including the highly anticipated Nigeria vs Gabon clash and the Cameroon vs Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) showdown. These one-legged ties will determine which African teams advance further in the World Cup qualifiers.

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Key Rules for the Playoffs

CAF has confirmed that the playoffs will follow strict rules to ensure fairness and competitiveness:

• Extra Time: If a match ends in a tie after 90 minutes, teams will play two 15-minute periods of extra time.
• Penalty Shootout: If the deadlock continues after extra time, the winner will be decided via a penalty shootout.
• Substitutions: Each team can make a maximum of five substitutions during regulation time. A sixth substitution is allowed if the game goes into extra time to manage player fatigue.
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): The VAR system will be used to review goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity cases, ensuring officiating accuracy.

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Nigeria vs Gabon: A Thrilling Clash Ahead

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Panthers of Gabon in a crucial playoff match. The winner will advance to face the victor of the Cameroon vs DRC tie in the final stage of the mini-tournament. CAF’s structured rules aim to guarantee a level playing field, giving fans an exciting and fair contest.

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Playoff Schedule

• Start Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
• End Date: Saturday, November 16, 2025

These matches are critical in Africa’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and both fixtures are expected to draw intense attention from football fans across the continent.

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Why This Matters

CAF’s clear rules and use of VAR highlight its commitment to fairness, transparency, and player welfare. With single-legged ties, extra time, and penalty shootouts, every match promises high stakes and thrilling football action.