Action resumes in across various stadia in Africa as team intensify their quest for a spot in the FIFA World Cup next year.

The global showcase will feature nine guaranteed representatives for the first time, with a potential tenth in the newly expanded version scheduled to take place in the United States from June 11–July 19, 2026.

With four rounds of matches already completed, Match Day 5 of the qualifiers has some intriguing fixtures lined up as the race to a top finish that guarantees qualification gradually takes shape.

GROUPS STANDING AND FIXTURES

GROUPS STANDING

Group A:

With ten points after four games, Egypt is ahead of Guinea-Bissau, who have six points.

With five points apiece, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone are in close pursuit, but Ethiopia (3 points) and Djibouti (1 point) are still at the bottom.

When they play Ethiopia on March 21, Egypt, the most successful African side in World Cup history, will try to increase their lead.

Group B:

With 10 points, Sudan leads Group B right now.

Senegal (8 points) and DR Congo (7 points) are not far behind.

Sudan’s head coach is upbeat despite a pivotal matchup against Senegal, the current African champions, on March 22.

Group C:

Benin, South Africa, and Rwanda are all on seven points, leaving Group C wide open. Nigeria, a team that many predicted would be dominant, is currently in fifth place after only three points from four games. Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro acknowledged the difficulties his club was facing. “We must improve.” “The players understand the significance of these upcoming games,” he stated. On March 21, Nigeria and Rwanda will play a match that must be won.

Group D:

With eight points, Cameroon leads Group D, with Cape Verde and Libya trailing by just one point. Angola (6 points) is still in the running as well. In two pivotal games that could determine the fate of the group, the Indomitable Lions play Eswatini on March 19 and Libya on March 25.

Group E:

Despite Eritrea’s resignation and Congo’s ban because of government meddling, Morocco leads Group E with a perfect nine points from three games. It’s unclear how these changes will affect qualification rankings. Morocco’s next match is scheduled on March 21 against Niger.

Group F:

Group F is led by Ivory Coast (10 points), with Gabon (9 points) not far behind. Both Burundi (7 points) and Kenya (5 points) are still attainable. The Elephants’ next games are against Burundi on March 21 and Gambia on March 24.

Group G:

Botswana, Guinea, and Uganda have six points apiece, while Algeria and Mozambique are tied for first place with nine points each. The encounter between Algeria and Botswana on March 21 may be pivotal.

Group H:

Tunisia leads Namibia (8 points) and Liberia (7 points) in Group H and is still unbeaten with 10 points. Liberia will be Tunisia’s first opponent on March 19, followed by Malawi on March 24.

Group I:

In Group I, Comoros and Ghana each have nine points, but Madagascar (7 points) and Mali (5 points) are not far behind. Ghana’s next matchup with Chad on March 21 is anticipated to be a pivotal point in their qualifying campaign.

FIXTURES FOR MATCHDAY 5

The game between Congo and Tanzania scheduled for Monday is unlikely to take place after FIFA failed to lift the ban on Congo.

Liberia will play Tunisia, who are at the top of Group H, in four thrilling matches on Wednesday, March 19.

When they play third-place Madagascar, Central Africa Republic hopes to move up the group, while Cameroon will try to extend their advantage in Group D when they play bottom-place Eswatini.

On Thursday, March 20, nine tantalising encounters will take place throughout the continent.

Zimbabwe’s match against Benin, Malawi’s reception of Namibia’s Brave Warriors, who have had a strong start thus far, and Cape Verde’s match against Mauritius are some of the major matches to watch.

The Eagles of Mali will travel to Comoros to wrap up Thursday’s matches, while Angola will visit Libya later in the evening in the hotly contested Group D.

There are 13 matches in all, and Match Day 5 of the qualifiers ends on Friday, March 21.

South Africa hosts Lesotho in the same group, hoping for a crucial win that could put them at the top of the group should the outcome of the match between Nigeria and Rwanda go their way.

In other exciting fixtures to watch, Group A leaders Egypt travel to Ethiopia, who are desperate for a win after three draws and a loss; African champions, Cote d’Ivoire, who lead Group F by a narrow point ahead of Gabon, face third-place Burundi, who are also contending for a top spot.

In what looks to be an exciting top-of-the-table matchup on Friday, the Lions of Teranga will be aiming for nothing less than a win to potentially top Group B ahead of Sudan.