The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the venues, dates, and format for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs, setting up a thrilling showdown for November 2025.
In a circular sent to all member federations, CAF confirmed that Morocco, which is also hosting the AFCON 2025, will serve as the venue for the African playoffs.
According to the schedule, the semi-final matches of the four-team mini-tournament will be played on November 13, 2025, while the final is set for November 16, 2025.
The playoffs will feature the four best runners-up from the nine qualifying groups, based on standings after Matchday 10. CAF also stated that if any match ends in a draw, it will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, penalty shootouts. Teams will be allowed five substitutions, with a sixth permitted during extra time.
Read Also;
FIFA Opens Case Against South Africa for Fielding Ineligible Player
The FIFA World Rankings for October 2025, to be released on October 23, will determine the draw and seeding. The highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side in one semi-final, while the second and third-ranked teams will battle in the other.
The winner of the Moroccan playoff tournament will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, where they’ll face opponents from Asia, South America, Oceania, and Concacaf for Africa’s 10th and final spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
