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The 2026 World Cup qualifiers have resumed for African teams after the end of the 2023/24 club football season with top teams fighting for places in the the next global showpiece.
Here are some intriguing fixtures to look forward to with Ghana, Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria all in action.
Tunisia vs Equatorial Guinea
Tunisia will lock horns with Equatorial Guinea in the World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday night at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, in hopes of getting a good result ahead of the next matches in the qualifying series.
While Tunisia lead Group H with six points after two matches, Nzalang Nacional lie bottom of the standings after being forced to forfeit their opening matches by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Unbeaten in the qualifiers so far, the Carthage Eagles on the other hand will be aiming to remain at the top knowing they have the home advantage, as they are tied with Namibia on six points apiece in the Group H standings.
Algeria vs Guinea
Elsewhere at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Thursday night in Algiers, Algeria will host Guinea in hopes of keeping their qualifying chances on track as they top Group G with six points after two matches.
The Dessert Foxes are aware of the threat of Guinea, who have three points from their first two games.
Vladimir Petkovic made a huge call by leaving out Riyad Mahrez from his 26-man squad, yet he still has a fair blend of experience in the likes of Said Benrahma, Ismael Bennacer and Baghdad Bounedjah at his disposal against Syli Nacional.
For Guinea, a win would send them level at the top of the standings with Algeria, and although they travel away from home, they can lean on an in-form Serhou Guirassy, who grabbed 28 goals for Stuggart in the just-ended Bundesliga season.
Mali vs Ghana
A confident Mali side will welcome Ghana to Stade 26 Mars in Bamako on Thursday in hopes of increasing their hopes of topping Group I, after clinching four points from their first two qualifying games against Chad and the Central African Republic.
Eric Chelle’s side have only one defeat in their last six matches and look the better side ahead of the clash, while the Black Stars are yet to record a win this year.
However, the return of Otto Addo on a permanent basis could prove to be a turning point for the team, as there are lots of young players with a strong desire to win.
Should Ghana edge Mali in Bamako, a sense of belief and confidence will burst in the Black Stars squad who will later return to face the Central African Republic on Monday, June 10 in Kumasi.
Senegal vs Congo
Senegal and DR Congo will go toe-to-toe at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Thursday night in a crucial World Cup qualifier, in hopes of getting closer to a FIFA World Cup slot.
The hosts have four points after two matches while DR Congo are on three points, after a 2-0 triumph over Mauritania.
Nonetheless, the hosts have the advantage ahead of this game as they have lost only one game in their last six matches across all competitions.
Sebastien Dasabre’s men however have only two wins from their last six and will be cautious in their tactical approach, knowing the attacking firepower the Teranga Lions have in their fold.
Egypt vs Burkina Faso
On Thursday night at the Cairo International Stadium, Egypt will host Burkina Faso in what is expected to be a keenly contested game.
The Pharaohs have a 100% record after their first two matches in Group A, while Burkina Faso sit in second place with four points from a possible six.
Also, the hosts have the head-to-head advantage with two wins in their last two games against the Stallions, and will be aiming to increase their chances of booking a place at the Mondial for the first time since 2018.
Nigeria vs South Africa
A repetition of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final will see Nigeria host South Africa on Friday, June 7, in hopes of turning their fortunes around in the qualifiers under new coach Finidi George.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalists have been far from their best level in the qualifiers and have only two points after two games played, while lying in third place in the standings in Group C.
South Africa on the other hand sit in second place with three points, and will hope they can get a favorable result away from home in West Africa before their return to face Zimbabwe on June 11.
Ivory Coast vs Gabon
A tough match on Friday night sees the Champions of Africa, Ivory Coast host Gabon in a crunch game with a lot at stake for both teams at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.
Both sides are locked on six points each after their first two matches. However, the hosts will have the advantage on the day, knowing they have their home fans behind them.
Also, the Elephants have three wins in their last five matches against Gabon, and although both teams will be aiming for victory, the hosts are considered favorites on the day to see this game through.
