CAF releases date for 2026 World Cup playoff mini-tournament

Stanley Phillips — October 30, 2025

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the full schedule for the 2026 World Cup playoff mini-tournament.

The showdown will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from November 13 to 16, with four countries, Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo fighting for the only remaining path to the global stage.

Nigeria will take the spotlight in the opening game, facing Gabon at 5pm on November 13 at the El Barid Stadium. Fans are already describing it as a must-win match, considering what is at stake: a ticket into the final qualifying stage of the World Cup.

Later on the same day, Cameroon will go head-to-head with DR Congo at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, with kickoff set for 8pm.

Both matches are straight knockouts with no room for errors.

The two winners will meet in the final on November 16 at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Whoever comes out on top will advance to the intercontinental playoffs, where Africa’s tenth and last spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be decided.