2026 World Cup qualifiers: Algeria, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Ghana look to close in on qualification

Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Ghana can all take another step towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with wins on Friday night, while struggling Nigeria must beat a Rwanda side often tough at home in Kigali to keep their hopes alive.

A decisive Rwanda v Nigeria

After Benin's 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe on Thursday, everything is still to play for in Group C, where Nigeria currently sit 5th with just 3 points from 4 games. The Super Eagles, now led by Eric Chelle, need a win more than ever to keep their campaign on track. They face a Rwanda side who are second on 7 points and could go on to challenge for top spot in the group with South Africa (3rd on 7 points), who host Lesotho, if they win at home. It is a real test for Chelle and his staff, who have the heavy responsibility of winning back the Nigerian public's support for the national team. After missing out in 2018 and 2022, failing to reach the 2026 World Cup would be a disaster for Nigeria.

A chance for DR Congo

In Group C, the Democratic Republic of Congo have a big opportunity to put pressure on Sudan and Senegal, who are first on 10 points and second on 8 points respectively and meet on Saturday (19:00 GMT). With a win tonight against South Sudan (5th on 2 points), the Leopards will draw level with Sudan and move ahead of the Lions. With Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa back, Sébastien Désabre has a squad capable of going for the three points and clearly targeting the 2026 World Cup.

Read also: 2026 World Cup qualifiers: Benin held, Gabon in fine form, Mali thrash Comoros

Five nations looking to move closer to the 2026 World Cup

In Group G, Algeria have the chance to overtake surprise package Mozambique, who currently lead the group on 12 points. With a win over Botswana, the Fennecs (currently second on 9 points) will go top of the group and move a little closer to qualification. Ghana are in a similar position in Group I. With Comoros losing 0-3 to Mali on Thursday, the Black Stars (2nd on 9 points) can go top of their group if they beat Chad, overtaking Madagascar, who currently occupy that spot on 10 points. Egypt in Group A and Morocco in Group E are also in a strong position. Finally, in Group J, the Ivory Coast Elephants, impressive since the start of these 2026 World Cup qualifiers (2nd on 10 points), can go top with a win over Burundi. Gabon are provisionally top of the group on 12 points.

Full schedule (GMT times)

13:00

Botswana v Algeria

16:00

Rwanda v Nigeria

South Africa v Lesotho

Burkina Faso v Djibouti

DR Congo v South Sudan

19:00

Ghana v Chad

Burundi v Ivory Coast

Guinea v Somalia

Ethiopia v Egypt

Niger v Morocco