CAF Confirms Morocco As Host For 2026 World Cup Playoffs, Sets Date

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Morocco as the host nation for the high-stakes playoff tournament that will decide Africa’s final representative for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The mini-tournament, featuring four of the continent’s best runners-up, will take place in November 2025.

In an official circular sent to member associations on Monday, CAF announced that the semi-final matches will be held on November 13, while the final is scheduled for November 16, 2025.

The winner of the playoff will go on to represent Africa in the intercontinental play-off round slated for March 2026, where they will face teams from Asia, South America, Oceania, and Concacaf for a place at the expanded World Cup.

CAF explained that the playoff will include the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, which will be determined after Matchday 10.

In the event of a draw, matches will proceed to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout will be held. Each team will be allowed five substitutions during normal time, with a sixth substitution permitted in extra time.

According to CAF, the October 2025 FIFA World Rankings, to be released on October 23, will be used to determine the playoff seeding. The highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked in one semi-final, while the second and third-ranked sides will meet in the other.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed optimism about Morocco’s readiness to stage both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the playoff tournament, despite growing unrest in the country.

“I am absolutely confident the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead in Morocco,” Motsepe said, amid reports of ongoing protests in several Moroccan cities.

Young Moroccans have taken to the streets, demanding an end to corruption and calling for changes in government for nine straight nights. Protesters have also pushed for reforms in health and education services, voicing frustration over rising inequality and social hardship.

Morocco is set to host the AFCON from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine venues, featuring 24 national teams competing for Africa’s most prestigious football title.


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