Super Eagles of Nigeria have sealed their place in the CAF playoff round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after finishing among the four best runners-up in the African qualification series, Soccernet.ng reports.
Although they fell short of topping Group C, their 4–0 victory over Benin on the final matchday was enough to keep their World Cup dream alive.
The playoff will determine which African team claims the continent’s final ticket to the global showpiece, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria 4–0 Benin
Osimhen salvages Nigeria’s World Cup hopes with a hat trick against Benin Republic in Uyo. #NGABEN pic.twitter.com/vquuiHnkyv
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) October 14, 2025
Analytical Look at How the Playoff Will Unfold For Nigeria
World Cup Playoff Format Explained
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) introduced a new qualifying structure for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Nine group winners across the qualifiers booked automatic spots at the tournament, while the four best second-placed teams progressed to a mini-playoff.
This playoff will feature semi-final and final matches, both single-legged and likely to be held in Morocco.
The overall winner will then advance to the inter-confederation playoff, where they will join five other teams from different continents in a final battle for one of the remaining World Cup slots.
Confirmed CAF Playoff Teams
After the group phase, four teams emerged with the best records among runners-up. Gabon finished top with 16 points. Cameroon followed with 15 points, Nigeria with 15 points, and Burkina Faso with 15 points.
These teams will now compete for one available place in the inter-confederation playoff.
Projected Semi-final Matchups
Based on FIFA rankings and CAF seeding, although not official yet, the playoff semi-finals could see Nigeria tackle Burkina Faso, and Cameroon battle Gabon.
Nigeria’s attacking strength gives them a slight edge over Burkina Faso, however. In contrast, Cameroon’s experience at this level should see them past a well-organised but limited Gabonese side.
If both sides progress as expected, the playoff final could feature Nigeria and Cameroon. Historically, the rivalry between these nations has produced intense contests, with little to separate them.
The Inter-Confederation Playoff
Winning the CAF playoff would not immediately guarantee a World Cup spot. Nigeria would then head to the inter-confederation playoff, scheduled for March 2026 in the United States.
The tournament will feature one team from CAF (Africa), one from AFC (Asia), one from OFC (Oceania), one from CONCACAF (North/Central America), and two from CONMEBOL (South America).
The two highest-ranked teams, likely from South America, will receive byes to the final round, while the remaining four sides compete in single-leg semifinals.
Nigeria may not have secured automatic qualification, but their playoff route keeps the dream alive. However, the margin for error is razor-thin. One off day could end their hopes, while two inspired performances could see them flying to North America in 2026.