The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Morocco as the host nation for the African playoff tournament that will decide the continent’s final qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an official circular released on Monday, CAF announced that the North African country is already preparing to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but will also stage the four-team playoff in November 2025.
According to the schedule, the semi-final matches of the mini-tournament will take place on November 13, 2025, while the final will be played on November 16, 2025. The competition will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, determined after Matchday 10 of the qualifiers.
CAF stated that in the event of a draw, matches will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, to penalty shootouts. Teams will be permitted five substitutions, with an additional one allowed during extra time.
The October 2025 FIFA World Rankings, to be released on October 23, will determine the seeding for the playoff draw. The highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side in one semi-final, while the second and third-ranked teams will clash in the other.
The eventual winner of the Moroccan playoff will represent Africa in the intercontinental playoff slated for March 2026, where they will battle representatives from Asia, South America, Oceania, and CONCACAF for the continent’s 10th and final World Cup slot.
Meanwhile, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has reiterated his confidence that the 2025 AFCON will proceed as planned in Morocco, despite ongoing protests in the country. For nine consecutive nights, young Moroccans have taken to the streets demanding reforms in governance, social services, and education, as well as an end to corruption and inequality.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine venues, featuring 24 national teams competing for the continent’s most prestigious football title.
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