2026 World Cup (Q): Ivory Coast look to regain top spot, with a red-hot Madagascar - Ghana clash

Ivory Coast to respond

On Sunday, in the opening game of matchday 6, Gabon won 2-1 away to Kenya thanks to a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The result lifts the Panthers to the top of Group F for now, with 15 points. They are two points clear of Ivory Coast (12 points), who face Gambia on Monday. The Elephants must therefore win to keep hold of their World Cup 2026 qualifying spot for the time being. However, the African champions will be without Evan N'dicka, who is injured and has returned to Rome. Gambia, 5th with 4 points, have little left to play for, other than a chance to throw a spanner in the works for the Ivorians.

Read also: 2026 World Cup (Q): schedule and results for matchday 6

Madagascar - Ghana for top spot

Today's big game is in Group I, with Madagascar "hosting" Ghana in Morocco. The Malagasy are 2nd with 10 points and can still dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, while Ghana lead the group with 12 points. It promises to be a genuine top-of-the-table clash.

Meanwhile, Mali, 4th in Group I, can use the occasion to close in on top spot. The Eagles will, however, need to beat Central African Republic. After that, they will have to hope for a draw in the other game to pick up ground on two direct rivals.

Tunisia and Namibia in a duel from afar

Among the other fixtures on matchday 6 of World Cup 2026 qualifying on Monday, Tunisia are at home to Malawi. The Eagles of Carthage (1st, 13 points) must win to stay top. If they slip up, Namibia could take over at the top of Group H with a win against Equatorial Guinea. The Namibians are 2nd with 11 points.

Today's schedule

13:00: Namibia - Equatorial Guinea

16:00: Guinea-Bissau - Burkina Faso

16:00: Central African Republic - Mali

16:00: Liberia - Sao Tome and Principe

19:00: Ivory Coast - Gambia

19:00: Madagascar - Ghana

21:00: Ethiopia - Djibouti

21:00: Tunisia - Malawi