Four African football powerhouses — Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) — are set to battle for survival in the CAF World Cup playoff, with only one of them earning a final shot at qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stakes couldn’t be higher: four nations, three heartbreaks, and one golden ticket to football’s grandest stage.

How will the African playoff work?

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the playoff will take place in Morocco in November 2025, using a ruthless knockout format: two semifinals and a final, all played as single-leg matches on neutral ground.

The official matchups are:

• Nigeria vs Gabon
• Cameroon vs DR Congo

The winners of each semifinal will meet in the final on November 16, 2025, to decide who advances to the intercontinental playoff, the last hurdle separating Africa’s tenth representative from the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Why are these teams here?

Unlike the nine group winners who earned direct qualification, these four nations finished as the best runners-up in the CAF qualifiers — earning one last chance to make it to the World Cup through this playoff.

The quality of the field is undeniable. Nigeria and Cameroon are both World Cup regulars, combining rich history with passionate fan bases. Gabon, led by Denis Bouanga, brings a balanced and dangerous squad, while DR Congo continues to impress with a mix of homegrown talent and Europe-based stars.

What’s at stake in Morocco?

The playoff winner won’t qualify automatically but will move on to the intercontinental playoff, where they’ll face opponents from other confederations — such as Asia, Oceania, or Concacaf — for one of the final tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

Beyond qualification, this mini-tournament carries deep symbolic weight. For Nigeria and Cameroon, participation in the World Cup is seen as a national duty. For Gabon and DR Congo, it’s a chance to make history and prove that African football’s balance of power is shifting toward a new generation.

One nation will rise. Three will fall. And in November 2025, Morocco will become the stage for one of African football’s most dramatic battles — a fight for glory, redemption, and a place among the world’s best.