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 aims 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. To guarantee a spot in the 2026 World Cup, the Elephants must win against Kenya.
- If Ivory Coast wins, they will secure direct qualification.
- If they draw or lose, their qualification relies on Gabon failing to win their match against Burundi.
A Gabon victory would see them claim the automatic ticket, leaving the runner-up to compete in the CAF Play-off Round for a second chance.
The clearest path for Ivory Coast is to beat Kenya, which would automatically send them to the World Cup.
Author's summary: Ivory Coast needs a win to secure a World Cup spot.