Two West African giants, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, have sealed their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after convincing victories on Tuesday night, joining the continent’s growing list of representatives for the global showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In Dakar, Sadio Mané inspired the Teranga Lions to a commanding 4–0 triumph over Mauritania, which guaranteed their fifth consecutive World Cup appearance.
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The 33-year-old forward struck twice — his 47th and 48th international goals — to crown another masterful display at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium. Iliaman Ndiaye and Habib Diallo added late goals as coach Pape Bouna Thiaw’s side wrapped up their Group B campaign with 24 points from 10 matches, seven wins and three draws.
The result meant the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite edging Sudan 1–0 in Kinshasa, had to settle for second place with 22 points — two short of the former African champions.
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For Senegal, qualification marks a continuation of their golden era, having also reached the knockout rounds of the last two World Cups and lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
Meanwhile, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire booked their ticket to football’s grandest stage for the first time since 2014, producing a professional 3–0 win over Kenya at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium. Midfielder Franck Kessié calmed early nerves with a seventh-minute opener before Yan Diomande and Amand Diallo sealed victory for Emerse Faé’s men.
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The Elephants’ win rendered Gabon’s 2–0 triumph over Burundi in Franceville meaningless, as Côte d’Ivoire’s 27 points secured top spot in Group F.
The qualification continues a remarkable resurgence for the Ivorians, who just 18 months ago lifted the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
It also marks a symbolic return to the world stage for a generation blending experienced heads like Kessié and Nicolas Pépé with rising stars like Diomande and Diallo.
With Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire now through, Africa’s confirmed World Cup contingent rises to nine, including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde, and South Africa.
A tenth African nation could still join via the intercontinental playoff route, where four of the continent’s best second-placed teams will battle in Morocco this November for a potential final ticket to North America.
