The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as African teams step onto the field for crucial qualification matches this weekend. With several matches scheduled on March 21 and 22, 2025, national pride and the dream of participating in the grandest tournament in football are at stake for teams across the continent.
Matchday 5 of the qualifiers has teams battling fiercely for points as they aim to secure their spots in the highly anticipated tournament set to take place across Canada, the USA, and Mexico next year. The fixtures are lined up to reveal which teams will continue their journey to the prestigious global event.
Starting on the afternoon of March 21, fans can expect to see Botswana go head-to-head with Algeria at 13:00 GMT, followed closely by Equatorial Guinea facing São Tomé and Príncipe at the same time. These matches set a competitive tone as both teams strive for valuable points in their respective groups.
As the day progresses, Group A features Burkina Faso taking on Djibouti at 16:00 GMT, while DR Congo clashes with South Sudan at the same hour. The excitement escalates with another pivotal match in Group C, where Nigeria aims to bounce back from previous setbacks against Rwanda at the Kigali Regional Stadium, also scheduled for 16:00 GMT. South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, will take on Lesotho in Polokwane, marking another high-stakes battle in the afternoon schedule.
Further thrilling matchups include Burundi against Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana facing Chad in the evening, both fighting hard for vital points. The night also sees Ethiopia attempting to defend its home turf against Egypt, while Guinea takes on Somalia, and Niger competes against Morocco, all scheduled for 21:00 GMT or later. On March 22, additional matches including Togo vs. Mauritania and Sudan vs. Senegal will add to the excitement with kickoff times slated for the afternoon and evening respectively.
Notably, Nigeria’s upcoming match is significant not just for points but also for morale. After a poor start in the qualifiers, new head coach Éric Chelle emphasizes the urgency of this match. He has taken over with the expectation of revitalizing the team and performing dramatically better than they have in recent outings. Against Rwanda, anything less than victory will likely displace hopes of a successful qualification campaign.
“This is the moment of truth for Nigeria,” stated Chelle, who is focused on instilling a winning mentality in his squad. The pressure is palpable as players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman prepare to face a resilient Rwandan defense.
In neighbouring South Africa, coach Hugo Broos is also under pressure as he leads Bafana Bafana into their match against Lesotho. With hopes of claiming the top position in Group C, Broos must decide how to utilize his talented attacking options effectively. He commented, “We have a great squad, but making the right selection is key to winning against tough opponents.
As the weekend unfolds, Morocco’s leading team in Group E seeks to maintain momentum against Niger. The Atlas Lions have high hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, and anticipate a vigorous defense from Niger, who are eager for a notable result, even in the face of adversity.
Over in Kinshasa, DR Congo will face South Sudan, with the Leopards keen to capitalize on home advantage to secure a vital victory. Their coach is optimistic about the team's chances, confident that a win here could set the tone for the group.
Ghana is in a similarly precarious position, as the Black Stars, eager to make amends after a disappointing AFCON campaign, prepare to host Chad. The pressure is on for them to re-establish dominance on the pitch. Former Ghanaian player Godwin Attram expressed confidence in coach Otto Addo, saying, “He’s learned from his mistakes and is poised to turn things around.”
The most anticipated match may be Morocco’s showdown against Tanzania, planned for March 25. Coach Hemed Suleiman remains hopeful, asserting, “Tanzania is not a weak team; we deserve respect.” With multiple upcoming matches broadcasted live on SuperSport, fans are preparing for a weekend rich in talent and a competitive atmosphere.
As these teams strive to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the intensity on the field and in the stands is sure to grow, promising unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.
