The 2026 World Cup African qualifiers reach a crucial juncture this week as the play-off semi-finals get underway in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday 13 November. This knockout stage offers four teams a second and final chance to stay alive in the race for a World Cup berth.
Format
All matches will be played in a centralised mini-tournament at El Barid Stadium and the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, with a straight semi-final and final format determining who advances to the inter-confederation play-off. Below, we break down both semi-final clashes from a betting perspective.
How the teams qualified for the African play-offs
The African play-offs feature the four best runners-up from the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying groups. These teams did not reach this stage through knockout wins but by finishing second in their respective groups behind the automatic World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria v Gabon – click here to bet
Nigeria arrive at the play-offs in strong shape, remaining unbeaten through their qualifying campaign. They cruised past Benin 4-0 in the previous round, showing their attacking depth and defensive stability and they enter this match with solid momentum.
Gabon also earned their place by finishing as group runners-up after edging out Gambia in a thrilling 4-3 contest, followed by a controlled 2-0 victory over Burundi at home when they last played. The side are full of confidence and attacking flair, however, their defence remains questionable especially against teams with quick transitions like Nigeria.
Head-to-Head:
Their last meeting dates back to 2005, a 2-0 win for Nigeria, offering no meaningful recent form between the sides.
Betting:
Nigeria 1.83
Draw 3.15
Gabon 5.00
Verdict:
Gabon have been impressive but will face their toughest test yet. Nigeria’s pace, strength, and experience on bigger occasions should make the difference. I am expecting a competitive start, but the hosts’ quality should shine through in the second half of what might turn out to be an open game.
Bet: Nigeria to win & Over 2.5 goals at 3.85
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Cameroon v D.R. Congo – click here to bet
Cameroon booked their play-off place by finishing second in Group D after a 0-0 draw to Angola, with solid defensive performances defining their campaign. They have kept three clean sheets in their last five matches, but they’ve struggled to convert chances up front which is a concern heading into knockout football.
D.R. Congo arrive with confidence after a strong qualifying campaign in Group B, where they pushed Senegal deep into the final matchday. Well organised and dangerous on the counter, they have won four of their last five matches and carry balanced momentum into this semi-final.
Head-to-Head:
They last played each other in 2021 where Cameroon narrowly won 2-1 on the road after a competitive 90 minutes of play.
Betting:
Cameroon 2.30
Draw 2.80
D.R. Congo 3.50
Verdict:
This promises to be a tightly contested affair between two defensively disciplined sides. D.R. Congo’s form and attacking abilities might just give them the edge, but extra time or penalties could be needed to separate them.
Bet: Draw at 2.80
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
