2026 World Cup Qualifiers: The Ultimate Guide To Africa's Weekend Showdowns

Africa's Finest Clash in Matchday 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Let’s face it—this weekend is going to be epic. Some of the best teams in Africa, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana, are back in action as they fight tooth and nail for a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and with just a few slots up for grabs, every single match matters more than ever.

This tournament, set to take place across Canada, the USA, and Mexico next year, is a dream destination for these national teams. It’s not just about competing on the global stage—it’s about pride, passion, and proving that African football is a force to be reckoned with. And let me tell you, the competition is fierce.

Your Go-To Guide for Matchday 5 Fixtures

Here at Naija News, we know how important it is to keep you in the loop. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the matches happening this Friday and Saturday. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching up on the action, this is your chance to stay ahead of the game.

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So, buckle up and get ready for a weekend full of drama, excitement, and some truly unforgettable moments. Below, you’ll find the full schedule for Matchday 5 of the Africa 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. All times are in GMT, so make sure to adjust accordingly for your local time zone.

Friday, 21 March 2025: The Action Kicks Off

Friday is packed with high-stakes matches that could make or break a team’s hopes of qualifying. Here’s what’s on the agenda:

• Group G: Botswana vs. Algeria (13:00) – Algeria, a powerhouse in African football, will be looking to keep their perfect record intact against Botswana. Will they pull it off, or will Botswana surprise us all?
• Group H: Equatorial Guinea vs. São Tomé and Príncipe (13:00) – A must-win game for Equatorial Guinea as they aim to stay in contention for a World Cup berth.
• Group A: Burkina Faso vs. Djibouti (16:00) – This match might seem like a mismatch on paper, but anything can happen in football. Burkina Faso will want to avoid any slip-ups.
• Group B: DR Congo vs. South Sudan (16:00) – The DR Congo, known for their attacking flair, will be aiming to dominate against a South Sudan side that’s still finding its feet.
• Group C: Rwanda vs. Nigeria (16:00) – This is one of the standout fixtures of the weekend. Nigeria, with their star-studded roster, will need to bring their A-game against a resilient Rwandan team.
• Group C: South Africa vs. Lesotho (16:00) – South Africa will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing result in their last outing. Can they do it against Lesotho?
• Group G: Burundi vs. Côte d’Ivoire (19:00) – Côte d’Ivoire, always a tough opponent, will be aiming to secure all three points against Burundi.
• Group G: Ghana vs. Chad (19:00) – Ghana, another African giant, will be desperate to keep their qualification hopes alive. Chad, however, won’t go down without a fight.
• Group A: Ethiopia vs. Egypt (21:00) – Egypt, the Pharaohs, will be hoping to continue their strong form against Ethiopia. This match could define their campaign.
• Group G: Guinea vs. Somalia (21:00) – Guinea, with their blend of skill and power, should be favorites here, but Somalia will be determined to cause an upset.
• Group E: Niger vs. Morocco (21:30) – Morocco, one of the continent’s elite teams, will be aiming to further solidify their position at the top of the group.

Saturday, 22 March 2025: The Weekend Finale

Saturday’s fixtures promise to be just as thrilling as Friday’s. Here’s what’s in store:

• Group B: Togo vs. Mauritania (16:00) – Both teams will be eager to secure a positive result. Will Togo’s home advantage give them the edge?
• Group B: Sudan vs. Senegal (19:00) – Senegal, one of Africa’s most successful teams, will be aiming to maintain their momentum against a Sudan side that’s been improving steadily.

As you can see, this weekend’s matches are shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular. With so much on the line, you won’t want to miss a single kick. Stay tuned to Naija News for the latest updates, scores, and analysis from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Let’s make some noise for Africa’s finest! Who do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments below!