African World Cup Qualifiers: Ivory Coast's Path to 2026
Group F of the African World Cup qualifiers comes down to the final matchday, with Ivory Coast needing a win against Kenya to secure the top spot and direct qualification over Gabon.
Ivory Coast, with 23 points, holds a slim one-point lead over Gabon’s 22 points. The clearest path for Ivory Coast is to
beat Kenya, which would automatically send them to the World Cup.
- If they draw or lose, their qualification relies on Gabon failing to win their own match against Burundi.
- A Gabon victory would see them jump into first place and claim the automatic ticket.
The runner-up will be left to battle it out in the tense CAF Play-off Round for a second chance.
Author's summary: Ivory Coast must win to secure a World Cup spot.