African World Cup Qualifiers: Ivory Coast's Path to 2026
Group F of the African World Cup qualifiers concludes with a thrilling final matchday, as Ivory Coast seeks to secure the top spot and direct qualification over Gabon.
Ivory Coast, with 23 points, holds a narrow one-point lead over Gabon, which has 22 points. To guarantee a spot in the 2026 World Cup, Ivory Coast must win against Kenya.
- Ivory Coast has 23 points.
- Gabon has 22 points.
- A win against Kenya secures Ivory Coast's direct qualification.
The clearest path for Ivory Coast is to beat Kenya, which would automatically send them to the World Cup.
If Ivory Coast draws or loses, their qualification depends on Gabon's result against Burundi. The runner-up will participate in the CAF Play-off Round for a second chance.
Author's summary: Ivory Coast needs a win to secure World Cup spot.