Abidjan: Ivory Coast and Senegal claimed Africa's final two automatic qualifying spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as both sides registered victories on Tuesday.
According to BBC, Senegal secured a commanding 4-0 home win over Mauritania, which propelled them to the top of Group B. A crucial free-kick from Sadio Mane just before half-time set the pace for the hosts, followed by Mane's second goal. Iliman Ndiaye then scored a fine solo effort, and Habib Diallo concluded the scoring, solidifying Senegal's position as group leaders.
This victory allowed the reigning continental champions to finish a point ahead of Gabon, who managed a 2-0 win against Burundi in Franceville, thanks to late goals from Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, returning to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014, achieved an impressive feat by going through the entire 10-game group campaign without conceding a single goal, a distinction shared only with Tunisia on the continent.
Ivory Coast and Senegal will join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa in securing a place at next year's World Cup finals. There remains a possibility for one more African nation to join this group through a continental play-off. This play-off will determine the winner who will participate in an inter-confederation tournament scheduled for March next year.
Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria emerged as the four best-ranked second-placed teams across the nine groups. One of these teams will have the opportunity to become Africa's 10th representative at the expanded 48-team World Cup set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Confederation of African Football has yet to announce a date for the play-off draw.