World Cup qualification

When talking about World Cup qualification, the series of matches that decides which national teams go to the FIFA World Cup. Also known as World Cup qualifying, it involves multiple rounds, group stages and strict stadium requirements. The process is overseen by CAF, the Confederation of African Football that runs the African qualifying pathway and ultimately sanctioned by FIFA, the global governing body that sets the competition rules. World Cup qualification therefore blends regional competition with worldwide standards.

One key element is the group stage. CAF divides its member nations into groups—like Group B where Senegal recently thumped South Sudan, or Group D where Cape Verde held Libya to a 3‑3 draw. Each group follows a round‑robin format, and the top team moves closer to a World Cup slot. Because not every stadium meets FIFA criteria, organizers sometimes pick neutral venues, such as Kenya’s Nyayo Stadium for the Gambia‑Burundi tie. This choice can shift the odds, giving teams a level playing field when home grounds fall short.

Why these details matter for fans

Understanding how CAF schedules matches, how FIFA enforces stadium standards, and why neutral venues appear helps you gauge a team's real chances. Senegal’s 4‑0 win, for example, doesn’t just add three points—it shows the squad can dominate when the group dynamics are favorable. Similarly, Cape Verde’s draw in Tripoli keeps them five points clear, illustrating how every goal can tip the balance in the group race. As the qualifiers progress, you’ll see more instances where a venue change or a group‑stage result reshapes the leaderboard.

Below you’ll find a curated list of the most recent stories covering these topics—match reports, venue updates, and analysis of how each development impacts the 2026 World Cup qualification picture.