Senegal booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mauritania on home soil.
Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a free kick just before halftime and added a second goal later in the match. Iliman Ndiaye impressed with a solo effort, and Habib Diallo completed the scoring late on, ensuring a comprehensive win for the Teranga Lions.
The victory allowed Senegal to finish first in Group B, two points ahead of DR Congo, who secured a 1-0 win against Sudan thanks to a first-half strike from Theo Bongonda.
With this result, Senegal joins a growing list of African nations that have booked their tickets to the expanded World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States next year.
Ivory Coast completes perfect defensive record
Ivory Coast also confirmed their World Cup spot with a 3-0 triumph over Kenya in Abidjan. Franck Kessie put the Elephants ahead early in the match, and teenager Yan Diomande doubled the advantage in the second half. Manchester United’s Amad added a third with a precise free kick to seal the victory.
The result ensured the reigning African champions finished Group F one point ahead of Gabon, who overcame Burundi 2-0 in Franceville with late goals from Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina.
Remarkably, Ivory Coast completed their 10-game qualification campaign without conceding a single goal, one of only two African teams to achieve that feat alongside Tunisia.
The Elephants will be appearing at the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014, adding experience and defensive solidity to the African contingent.
Africa’s representatives and upcoming play-off
With Ivory Coast and Senegal joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa, eight African nations have now confirmed their places at next year’s tournament.
One more spot could be awarded through next month’s continental play-offs, with Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria finishing as the four best second-placed sides across the nine groups. The winner will have the chance to qualify via an inter-confederation tournament in March 2026.
The Confederation of African Football has yet to announce the draw date for the remaining playoff, leaving one final African representative to be determined.