Daniel Otera
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially drawn the curtain on months of speculation, confirming the fixtures, venues, and kick-off times for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Inter-Continental Playoff tournament. The mini-tournament, billed for 13–16 November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, will see Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo battle for Africa’s final ticket to the expanded global showpiece.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will lock horns with Gabon on Thursday, 13 November at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT), while Cameroon squares off against DR Congo later that evening at 20:00 (19:00 GMT). Both semi-final matches will be staged at El Barid Stadium and Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, with a draw on 30 October set to determine which fixture lands at which venue.
The final, scheduled for Sunday, 16 November 2025, will take place at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with kick-off set for 20:00 local time. The winner of the tournament will proceed to the FIFA Inter-Continental Playoff in March 2026, where they’ll face a team from either South America, Oceania, or Asia for a place at the World Cup.
This playoff marks a historic shift in African football representation. With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams, Africa now holds nine guaranteed slots—up from five in previous editions. The Rabat tournament offers a tenth opportunity, making it a high-stakes affair for the four nations involved.
CAF’s announcement, made in partnership with the Moroccan Football Federation, underscores the strategic importance of the venue. Rabat, known for its modern infrastructure and football pedigree, was selected to host the tournament due to its readiness and neutrality. The city previously hosted the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and has been praised for its logistical efficiency and fan engagement.
The Super Eagles, who finished as one of the best runners-up in the African qualifiers, are eyeing redemption after missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Their clash with Gabon is expected to be a tactical battle, with both sides boasting youthful squads and recent form that suggests a tightly contested encounter.
Cameroon and DR Congo, meanwhile, bring contrasting styles to the second semi-final. Cameroon’s experience at the global stage having featured in eight World Cups could prove decisive, while DR Congo’s resurgence in recent years makes them a formidable opponent.
CAF’s media team stated via X (formerly Twitter), “The African Qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Inter-Continental Play-off tournament will be staged between 13–16 November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, featuring 🇨🇲🇳🇬🇨🇩🇬🇦”.
With the final African slot hanging in the balance, the Rabat showdown promises drama, grit, and glory. For Nigeria, it’s more than just a match, it’s a chance to reclaim continental pride and secure a place among football’s elite in North America next year.