World Cup 2026 qualifiers: the ranking of the best group runners-up

The race for a spot in the 2026 World Cup is in full swing on the African continent.

With this new format of 48 nations, Africa will have at least 9 tickets in the global tournament, which will be awarded to the group leaders of the qualifiers.

Read also: After his re-election... The three projects awaiting Motsepe at CAF

A 10th ticket will be granted to the 4 best group runners-up who will compete in an African playoff. The winner will have the opportunity to compete in the intercontinental playoffs.

The ranking of the best group runners-up

1 Gabon (gr. F) 15 points

2 Namibia (gr. H) 12 points

3 Mozambique (gr. G) 12 points

4 Burkina Faso (gr. A) 11 points

5 Madagascar (gr. I) 10 points

6 DR Congo (gr. B) 10 points

7 Cameroon (gr. D) 9 points

8 Rwanda (gr. C) 8 points

9 Niger (gr. E) 6 points

This ranking may change depending on the results achieved during the next four matchdays of the World Cup qualifiers.

As a reminder, the 7th and 8th matchdays are scheduled for September 2025, while the last two matchdays will take place in October 2025.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.