The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed Morocco as the host nation for the decisive African play-off tournament that will determine the continent’s final representative for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The mini-tournament will take place in November 2025.
According to a statement signed by Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, the semi-final matches are scheduled for 13 November 2025, with the final to be played on 16 November 2025. The tournament will bring together the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, based on standings after the 10th and final round of qualifiers in mid-October 2025.
CAF announced that Morocco, which is also set to host the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, was chosen to stage this crucial phase of the qualification process. The decision reinforces Morocco’s growing reputation as a dependable venue for major continental competitions.
The seedings for the draw will be based on the FIFA World Rankings of 23 October 2025, ensuring a merit-based pairing. Under the competition format, the highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, while the second-ranked nation will meet the third. The winners of both semi-finals will then contest the final, with the champion earning the right to represent Africa in the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026.
The stakes are high, with the tournament offering one final opportunity for nations to book a ticket to the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Teams such as Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar are among those still vying for the coveted play-off slots.
The eventual winner of the Moroccan tournament will advance to face an opponent from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF, with victory in that intercontinental clash sealing Africa’s 10th and final berth at the World Cup.
For many nations, the play-off in Morocco represents more than just qualification, it is a final shot at redemption, prestige, and a chance to make history on football’s grandest stage.
