Ghana Advances in 2026 World Cup Qualifying
Ghana took a significant step towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Mali at home.
Alexander Djiku netted the only goal for the Black Stars in the 49th minute during the match held in Accra. The goal came after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to secure a corner kick taken by Jordan Ayew.
Mali, needing a win to maintain their chances of automatic qualification, dominated the final half hour but could not penetrate a strong Ghanaian defense.
This victory propelled Ghana to 19 points, restoring their three-point lead at the top of Group I ahead of the final two rounds of fixtures next month.
Otto Addo's team will next face an away match against the Central African Republic before hosting Comoros. A single win in these matches could be sufficient for Ghana to qualify for consecutive World Cup tournaments.
In the African qualifying process, only the nine group winners are guaranteed a spot in the tournament next year, though the four best-ranked teams will have the opportunity to compete in continental playoffs.
In another development, top-seeded Mali, who have never qualified for the World Cup finals, can no longer top the group. They currently sit fourth in the standings, four points behind second-placed Madagascar, who came from behind to defeat Chad 3-1 earlier on Monday.
Warren Caddy, Rayan Raveloson, and Hakim Abdallah all scored in the second half for Madagascar. Comoros is in third place, just one point behind Madagascar, following their 2-0 away win against the Central African Republic on Sunday.
The African team that emerges from the playoffs in November will advance to a final intercontinental qualifier for a chance to earn a spot in the World Cup, set to be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Algeria Close in on Qualification
Meanwhile, Algeria is just one win away from securing their place in the World Cup finals after a goalless draw against Guinea in neutral Casablanca.
Mohamed Amoura missed the best chance for the North Africans, while Guinea's Youcef Atal made a crucial defensive play, heading a goal-bound effort from Aliou Balde off the line.
Algeria leads Group G with 19 points, while Uganda and Mozambique are four points behind after both recorded victories on Monday. Uganda defeated Somalia 2-0, thanks to a penalty from Allan Okello and a goal from Jude Ssemugabi. Mozambique also won by the same scoreline against Botswana, with goals from Witi and Faisal Bangal.
The eighth round of African qualifying will conclude on Tuesday with 15 matches scheduled. Egypt could join Morocco and Tunisia at the 2026 finals if they secure a win against Burkina Faso.