The high-stakes mini-tournament, to be staged at El Barid Stadium and the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Morocco, will determine the final African nation to secure the continent’s remaining slot at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Between them, the four contenders have featured in 15 previous World Cups, but by the end of this week’s African Play-Offs, only one will keep their dreams of qualification alive.

Cameroon, Africa’s most frequent representative with eight previous World Cup appearances, reached the quarter-finals in Italy in 1990, a first for any African side. They also featured at the last tournament in Qatar in 2022.

Nigeria has qualified for six World Cups, most recently in Russia 2018. DR Congo, formerly known as Zaire, made its lone appearance in 1974, while Gabon is seeking its first-ever qualification.

Despite their varied histories, all four nations enter the week with equal opportunity in what promises to be a thrilling knockout competition — one with no second chances.

The action begins on Thursday in Rabat, where Nigeria will face Gabon, followed later that evening by Cameroon taking on DR Congo.

The winners of both matches will meet in the final on Sunday, with the victor advancing to the World Cup 2026 Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament.

That next stage will feature six nations — including Bolivia (CONMEBOL), New Caledonia (OFC), and representatives from Asia and Concacaf — competing in March 2026 for the final two World Cup spots.

Among the teams in Morocco, Nigeria are the highest-ranked, having narrowly clinched their place as one of the four best runners-up from Africa’s nine qualifying groups. Their decisive fourth goal in a 4–0 win over Benin in Uyo last month proved crucial to securing a playoff berth. 

The Super Eagles now enter in improved form after a slow start that saw them winless in their first four qualifiers.

Gabon, who finished just one point behind Côte d’Ivoire in Group F with 25 points (eight wins and one draw), will be banking on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who netted four goals against The Gambia last month, to continue his scoring streak.

DR Congo finished two points behind Senegal in their group, while Cameroon trailed Cabo Verde by four.

The Indomitable Lions and Leopards share a storied rivalry but have not met in a full international in nearly a decade — their last encounter being a 1–1 friendly draw in Belgium in 2015.