CAF Play-Off Format Confirmed for 2026 World Cup Qualification.

CAF Play-Off Format Confirmed for 2026 World Cup Qualification.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially outlined the format for the upcoming continental play-off, set to take place in Morocco this November, to determine Africa’s representative in the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off.
CAF will use the FIFA World

Rankings released at the end of October to seed the four qualified nations as follows:
1️⃣ Team 1 – Highest ranked nation
2️⃣ Team 2 – Second highest ranked nation
3️⃣ Team 3 – Third highest ranked nation
4️⃣ Team 4 – Lowest ranked nation

Match Rules
• Format: Single-leg knockout matches (semifinals and final)
• Extra Time: Two periods of 15 minutes if tied after 90 minutes
• Penalties: Decided by a shootout if still level after extra time
• Substitutions: Six permitted in total (five during regular time, one additional during extra time)

The winner of the play-off will advance to the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off, where a final hurdle stands between them and qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup. With Africa already guaranteed nine spots, the victors could make it ten African teams on the world’s biggest stage.