ChatGPT said:
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Morocco’s capital, Rabat, will host the 2026 African World Cup qualifying play-offs featuring Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final on November 13 — a clash expected to showcase two star forwards: Victor Osimhen of Nigeria, who plays in Turkey, and Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Osimhen’s hat-trick against Benin Republic earlier this month helped Nigeria edge into the play-offs on goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso.
Later the same day, DR Congo will take on Cameroon — the African nation with the most World Cup appearances (eight). That tie could see Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo in action after his recent brace against Brighton lifted the Red Devils to sixth in the Premier League.
DR Congo, who competed as Zaire in the 1974 World Cup, are chasing only their second appearance at the global showpiece.
The winners of the Rabat mini-tournament will progress to the six-team intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, where two World Cup spots — for the United States, Canada, and Mexico edition — will be on the line.
Bolivia and New Caledonia have already qualified for the intercontinental stage, while Iraq or the UAE will represent Asia, and Curacao and Costa Rica are favourites to claim the two Caribbean/Central American slots.
Fixtures
Semi-finals
🗓️ November 13 – Gabon vs Nigeria (16:00 GMT)
🗓️ November 13 – Cameroon vs DR Congo (19:00 GMT)
Final
🗓️ November 17 – 19:00 GMT
📍 All matches to be played in Rabat.
