The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed Morocco as the host nation for the crucial playoff tournament that will determine Africa’s final representative at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to CAF, the mini-tournament—featuring the four best runners-up from the African qualifying groups—will be held in November 2025.
In a circular sent to member associations on Monday, CAF announced that the semi-final matches will take place on November 13, with the final scheduled for November 16, 2025. The playoff winner will advance to the intercontinental play-off round in March 2026, where they will compete against teams from Asia, South America, Oceania, and Concacaf for a place in the expanded World Cup.
CAF explained that the playoff teams will be determined after Matchday 10 of the African qualifiers. In case of a draw, matches will go into extra time and, if necessary, be decided by penalties. Teams will be permitted five substitutions during regular time and an additional one during extra time.
The October 2025 FIFA World Rankings, to be released on October 23, will determine the tournament seedings. The top-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side in one semi-final, while the second and third-ranked teams will clash in the other.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed confidence in Morocco’s preparedness to successfully host both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup playoff, despite recent social unrest in the country.
“I am absolutely confident that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead in Morocco,” Motsepe said, addressing concerns over ongoing protests in several Moroccan cities.
For over a week, young Moroccans have been demonstrating against corruption and calling for government reforms, including improvements to healthcare and education, amid rising inequality and social hardship.
Morocco is also set to host the AFCON from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine venues, with 24 national teams competing for Africa’s most prestigious football title.
