World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Morocco Confirmed as Host of African Playoffs
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| Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat | Morocco to host African World Cup playoffs despite protests |
The African World Cup playoffs are set to take place. Morocco will host the African World Cup playoffs despite recent protests.
Morocco is set to host the African World Cup playoffs, a four-team tournament that offers a chance for an additional spot in the 2026 World Cup finals in North America. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the hosting rights despite recent protests.
The playoffs will feature the top four runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, competing in a mini-tournament from November 13 to 16. The teams will be paired based on the October FIFA rankings, with the highest-ranked side facing the lowest and the second-highest taking on the third-highest.
The winner of the playoffs will secure a spot in the intercontinental playoff in March 2026, potentially earning a place in the 48-team field at the World Cup. Morocco is already set to host the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21 to January 18 and will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain.
A mini tournament will be held in Morocco in November to determine a single team that will advance to the inter-continental playoff in March, competing for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The four teams participating in the African playoff will be decided after the group fixtures conclude.
The inter-continental playoff will feature six teams, each representing a different confederation, except for UEFA. The teams will compete for the final two spots in the 48-team field at the 2026 World Cup.
The semi-final matches will take place on November 13, 2025, in Morocco, with the exact venues yet to be confirmed. The top-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked team, while the second-ranked team will play against the third-ranked team in the semi-finals. The winners of these matches will then compete in the final on November 16, 2025.
The seeding for the matches will be determined by the October 2025 FIFA World Rankings, released on October 23. This ranking system will determine the matchups, ensuring a competitive and fair playoff process.
The winner of the playoff final will advance to the intercontinental playoff in March 2026, where they will face teams from other confederations for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four African Teams Secure World Cup Spots
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showcasing their dominance in African football. Ghana is poised to join this elite group, pending a home win.
Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, and Senegal are on the cusp of qualification, with potential wins in their upcoming fixtures. Cape Verde hosts its match on Monday, while Ivory Coast and Senegal will play on Tuesday. A victory for either team would secure their spot in the World Cup.
Group C's final matchday promises excitement, with Benin, Nigeria, and South Africa still in contention for qualification. The teams will face off on Tuesday, each determined to secure a spot in the next round.
Morocco is gearing up to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from December 21 to January 18, a testament to the country's growing football reputation. The North African nation will also co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain, showcasing its capabilities in hosting major international football events.
In addition to the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco will host the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the third consecutive time and the U-17 Women's World Cup, which starts next Friday. This streak of hosting major tournaments demonstrates Morocco's commitment to football and its ability to deliver world-class events.
Morocco has invested heavily in sporting events and infrastructure, including stadiums for international competitions. However, this lavish spending has sparked youth-led protests across the country. The protesters argue that the funds could be better spent on essential public services like healthcare and education.
The unrest has resulted in violent clashes between protesters and security forces, with reports of police using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds. Two people were killed, and over 400 arrested nationwide. The protests have spread to major cities like Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh, with chants like “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”
The youth-led movement, known as GenZ 212, has called for improved social services, reduced corruption, and better employment opportunities. The protests reflect similar movements globally, where young people demand change and accountability from their governments.
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