The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially named Morocco as host of the decisive playoff tournament that will determine Africa’s final slot for the fifa-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2026 FIFA World Cup.
The high-stakes mini-tournament, set for November 2025, will feature four of the continent’s best runners-up from the African qualifying series.
According to an official CAF circular sent to member associations on Monday, the semi-final games will hold on November 13, while the final will be played on November 16, 2025.
The winner will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, where they will face representatives from Asia, South America, Oceania, and the Concacaf regions for one of the remaining World Cup tickets.
CAF explained that the participating teams will be drawn from the four best runners-up among the nine qualifying groups after Matchday 10.
In the case of a tie, matches will proceed to extra time and, if still unresolved, to penalty shootouts. Each team will be allowed five substitutions during normal time, with a sixth substitution permitted in extra time.
Seeding and Ranking Criteria
CAF revealed that the October 2025 FIFA World Rankings, expected on October 23, will determine the playoff seedings.
The highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked in one semi-final, while the second and third-ranked sides will battle in the other.
The playoff is part of the new qualification format adopted after the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, with Africa allocated nine direct slots and one intercontinental playoff slot.
Motsepe Confident Despite Protests
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed optimism about Morocco’s readiness to host both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the playoff tournament, despite mounting unrest in parts of the North African nation.
“I am absolutely confident the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead in Morocco,” Motsepe said, responding to concerns about ongoing street protests.
For the past nine nights, young Moroccans have taken to the streets demanding reforms, better governance, and an end to corruption. Protesters have voiced growing frustration over unemployment, poor healthcare, and widening inequality.
Despite the unrest, CAF insists that preparations for the AFCON 2025, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, remain on track.
The continental showpiece will be staged across nine venues, featuring 24 national teams competing for Africa’s top football honour.
