Abidjan: Ivory Coast and Senegal have successfully claimed Africa’s final two automatic qualifying spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both achieving crucial victories on Tuesday. Senegal secured a commanding 4-0 victory at home against Mauritania, ensuring their first-place finish in Group B.

According to BBC, Sadio Mane’s free-kick put Senegal ahead just before half-time. Mane, a former Liverpool star, then doubled his tally with a second goal. Iliman Ndiaye contributed with a remarkable solo effort, and Habib Diallo concluded the scoring late in the match. This decisive win allowed Senegal, the reigning continental champions, to edge out Gabon by a single point. Gabon managed a 2-0 victory over Burundi in Franceville, with late goals from Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, returning to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014, completed their 10-game group campaign without conceding a single goal. They are one of only two nations on the continent to achieve this feat, alongside Tunisia. Ivory Coast and Senegal join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa in securing their places at next year’s World Cup finals.

One additional African team could potentially join this group. The winners of next month’s continental play-offs will have the opportunity to secure their spot through an inter-confederation tournament scheduled for March next year. Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria, as the four best-ranked second-placed teams across the nine groups, will compete for the chance to become Africa’s 10th representative at the expanded 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The Confederation of African Football has yet to announce the date for the play-off draw.