The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly confirmed Rabat as the central hub for the continent’s high-stakes playoffs to determine the final representative at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission and a key figure in CAF’s Inter-Clubs Organizing Committee, broke the news earlier today.
Expectations are that the iconic Stade Olympique de Rabat will serve as the primary venue.
A view of FIFA World Cup 26′ Winner Trophy. (Photo | Getty Images)
This world-class facility, with a capacity exceeding 20,000, previously hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), earning praise for its modern infrastructure.
The playoffs will feature the four top-ranked runners-up from CAF’s nine qualifying groups:
Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Following the conclusion of the group-stage qualifiers earlier this month, these nations will battle in a single-elimination format.
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The semi-final matches are slated for November 13, 2025, with the decisive final set for November 16.
The triumphant side will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026, where they will face representatives from Asia, South America, Oceania, and CONCACAF.
