Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal Seal Final Automatic World Cup Spots for Africa

Two African football powerhouses book their tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with emphatic victories, joining seven other nations already qualified for the tournament.

Senegal national football team and Côte d’Ivoire national football team have officially claimed Africa’s final two automatic qualifying places for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. Both nations produced dominant performances on Tuesday, ensuring their place among the continent’s top footballing sides headed to North America next year.

Senegal’s Commanding Home Victory

Senegal showcased their class with a stunning 4-0 win against Mauritania national football team. Superstar forward Sadio Mané opened the scoring with a perfectly struck free-kick just before half-time. He doubled the lead early in the second half, while Iliman Ndiaye dazzled with a solo goal and Habib Diallo sealed the victory late in the match.
The result secured Senegal’s top spot in Group B, finishing two points ahead of DR Congo national football team, who also won their match against Sudan national football team 1-0 thanks to a goal from Theo Bongonda.

Côte d’Ivoire Cruise Past Kenya

In Abidjan, reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire delivered a solid 3-0 victory over Kenya national football team to clinch Group F. Midfield maestro Franck Kessié gave the hosts an early lead before teenage sensation Yan Diomande doubled the advantage in the second half. Amad Diallo, representing Manchester United F.C., curled in a sublime free-kick to complete the win.
The Elephants finished a point ahead of Gabon national football team, who defeated Burundi national football team 2-0 in Franceville with late goals from Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina.

A Defensive Record to Remember

Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification run was exceptional not only did they win crucial matches, but they also completed the 10-game campaign without conceding a single goal. Alongside Tunisia national football team, they were the only African side to achieve this defensive milestone during the qualifiers. The result also marks their return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2014.

African Representation at the 2026 World Cup

With Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal now qualified, Africa’s representation at the upcoming World Cup is shaping up strongly. They join Morocco national football team, Tunisia, Egypt national football team, Algeria national football team, Ghana national football team, Cape Verde national football team, and South Africa national football team as the nine confirmed African teams at the expanded 48-team tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and United States.

One More Spot Up for Grabs

There’s still an opportunity for one more African team to join the World Cup party. Cameroon national football team, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria national football team finished as the best second-placed teams across the nine groups. One of these nations will qualify through a continental play-off next month and then face the inter confederation play-off tournament in March for a chance to be Africa’s 10th representative. Confederation of African Football is expected to announce the play-off draw date soon.

African Football on the Rise

This qualification round underscores the growing strength and depth of African football. With historic performances, dominant wins, and promising young talents like Diomande and Amad Diallo stepping up, the continent’s teams are gearing up to make a big impact on the world stage in 2026.

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