EXPLAINER: How Nigeria can still qualify for 2026 World Cup through playoff

Following their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, the Super Eagles have kept their hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.

Although Nigeria narrowly missed out on topping their qualifying group, the result was enough to secure them a place in the CAF playoff round — a final chance to earn a World Cup ticket.

EXPLAINER: Here’s how Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the African playoff system.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has adopted a new qualification system for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Africa has been allocated nine direct qualification slots, plus one extra playoff slot through an intercontinental playoff.

Here’s how it works:

    Main Qualification Format

1. 54 African nations were divided into nine groups (A–I).

2. Each team plays home and away matches within their group.

3. Only the first-placed team in each group qualifies directly for the World Cup.

4. After all group games, the four best runners-up (second-placed teams) advance to a CAF Playoff Tournament.

     CAF Playoff Explained

• The CAF Playoff is a short knockout tournament featuring those four best runners-up.

• The teams will play semifinals and a final between November 13 and 16, 2025, in Morocco.

• The winner of this playoff will then move on to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff.

     The Intercontinental Playoff

• The Intercontinental Playoff will feature six teams:
  
  1 from Africa,
  
  1 from Asia,
  
  1 from South America (CONMEBOL),
  
  1 from Oceania (OFC),
  
  and two from North & Central America (CONCACAF).

• They will compete for two final World Cup spots.

This means Africa could have up to 10 teams at the 2026 World Cup if the playoff winner succeeds internationally.

🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Current Position and Path to Qualification

After the conclusion of the qualifying series:

• Gabon finished second in Group F, behind Ivory Coast.

• Cameroon placed second in Group D, behind Cape Verde.

• DR Congo were runners-up in Group B, behind Senegal.

• Nigeria finished second in their group after defeating Benin Republic 4–0, improving their goal difference to secure a playoff berth.

These four countries — Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and DR Congo — now advance to the CAF Playoffs.

Nigeria’s Path to the 2026 World Cup

To reach the World Cup, Nigeria must:

1. Win the CAF Playoff in Morocco (by beating two of the other qualified second-placed team Gabon).

2. Win the Intercontinental Playoff, likely against a team from Asia or North America.

If they succeed in both stages, the Super Eagles will book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.