The CAF qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are resuming with matchday five, as African countries intensify their full performance to secure a spot in the tournament.
With only the group winners of the CAF qualifiers earning direct spots to the marquee tournament and the best four runners-up advancing to a second round for a chance at the FIFA Play-off Tournament, all eyes are on the contenders ready to fight for their place.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 CAF Qualifiers, Matchday five will be available for live streaming on the Fancode app and website. This platform will provide live coverage in English, ensuring fans can enjoy the action from anywhere. You can stay tuned to Sportstar’s website and app for the latest updates from the clash.
Meanwhile, the Australian men’s football team’s head coach Tony Popovic prepares to lead his squad against Indonesia, who are now coached by former Dutch international Patrick Kluivert, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Both teams are battling to secure the second spot in Asian qualifying Group C, alongside Japan, who have all but locked up the top spot.
Australia will also face China in Hangzhou on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. In their previous encounter, Indonesia and Australia drew 0-0 in Jakarta in September 2024, but the stakes are higher now as both teams aim for that coveted World Cup spot.
At the same time, Kluivert's Indonesia has experienced a revival in fortunes, recently bringing in several Dutch-born players from their diaspora. They shocked Saudi Arabia 2-0 in November 2024 and have now set their sights on improving their historical record against Australia, a nation they haven’t defeated since 1981.
“We’ve analysed Indonesia, we know there’s a new coach, we don’t know how he will set up,” Popovic said. “Of course we’ve seen what he’s done previously in various jobs he’s been involved in, in terms of the structure and shape that he plays. But we have to focus on us and know that we can deal with any structure that comes our way.” Popovic is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, especially with key players missing in central defense, and emphasized the need for patience during the match.
Kluivert himself acknowledged the limited time he has had with his new team but promised to bring some surprises on match day, stating, “Changing is impossible at the moment. But of course, there’s things I don’t just explain here, but there will be some, some things change, but that’s between us. I think the team is ready. They know what we expect tomorrow.”
One of the integral players for Indonesia, captain Jay Idzes, voiced optimism for their upcoming match against Australia, saying, “I think we showed already the last year, maybe a little bit more, that Indonesia is a country that has to be dealt with. Hopefully, and I truly believe it, in the next years we can really put Indonesia on the map.”
Kluivert’s coaching staff includes Jordi Cruyff, who echoes the sentiment of needing to work cohesively to build the team identity, having already visited European-based players to share their strategies and ensure everyone is aligned.
As the teams prepare for their upcoming clashes, Nigeria, too, is facing pressure as they continue their quest in the CAF qualifiers. They remain winless after four matches and face must-win games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe under their new coach, Éric Chelle. Nigeria, with a talented roster, is in a precarious position as they strive to recover from their rocky start.
The series of events surrounding this World Cup qualifying cycle is drawing attention not only from within participating nations but also from football fans globally. Egypt currently leads Group A in the CAF qualifiers with an unbeaten streak, looking primarily to solidify their presence with crucial matches against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.
As football enthusiasts await matchday five of the qualifiers, stories of coaching changes, national pride, and the desire to achieve the ultimate goal of representing their countries on the grandest stage of them all resonates deeply this season.
From the CAF qualifiers to the Asian competitions, the pressure mounted on teams, with significant matchups determining future chances of glory at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The world watches as this summer unfolds, hoping to witness the next wave of footballing talents on the international stage.
