Algeria qualify as Uganda edge closer to World Cup playoffs - Liberia stun Namibia
Algeria sealed qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ after a commanding victory over Somalia, while Uganda boosted their playoff hopes with a crucial win against Botswana.
The Desert Warriors became the latest African side to book their place in North America, maintaining an unassailable lead at the top of Group G.
Uganda, meanwhile, strengthened their grip on second place, moving three points clear of Mozambique, whose defeat to Guinea effectively ended their qualification bid.
In Group H, Liberia revived their hopes of reaching the continental play-offs after beating Namibia, while Kenya claimed a morale-boosting win over Burundi in Group F.
Group G: Algeria cruise past Somalia to seal World Cup return
Somalia 0–3 Algeria
Scorers: Amoura (6', 58'), Mahrez (19')
Algeria confirmed their return to the world stage with a 3–0 win over Somalia in Oran.
Mohamed Amoura opened the scoring early on, volleying home from Riyad Mahrez’s cross. The captain then turned scorer, rifling in a bouncing ball to double the lead.
Mahrez later turned provider again, delivering another precise cross for Amoura to head home his second.
The victory marks Algeria’s fifth World Cup qualification and their first since 2014, when they reached the Round of 16 before losing narrowly to eventual champions Germany.
Group G: Uganda tighten grip on second place
Botswana 0–1 Uganda
Scorer: Ssemugabi (54')
Jude Ssemugabi’s header early in the second half proved decisive as Uganda earned a vital win over Botswana to consolidate second place in the group.
The Cranes dominated possession and created the better chances, with Rogers Mato forcing a fine save in the first half.
Ssemugabi’s close-range finish was enough to seal victory, despite late pressure from the hosts.
Uganda now need just a draw in their final match against already-qualified Algeria to secure a top-two finish — and a potential spot among the four best runners-up heading into the playoffs.
Group G: Mozambique slip up as Guinea exit
Mozambique 1–2 Guinea
Scorers: Reinildo (19') – Traore (2', 59')
Mozambique’s qualification hopes suffered a major blow after a surprise home defeat to Guinea.
Abdoul Traore’s early header put the visitors ahead before Reinildo levelled for Mozambique with a powerful finish from Geny Catamo’s cross.
However, Traore restored Guinea’s lead in the second half with a fierce strike that slipped through goalkeeper Ernan Siluane’s hands.
Despite the win, Guinea’s campaign came to an end as they were mathematically eliminated, along with Botswana.
Group H: Liberia stun Namibia to stay alive
Liberia 3–1 Namibia
Scorers: Kosiah (pen 3'), Bah (9'), Ledlum (81') – Ndeunyema (86')
Liberia kept their playoff hopes alive with an emphatic victory over Namibia, closing the gap on the second-placed Brave Warriors to just one point.
The hosts made a dream start when Ayouba Kosiah converted an early penalty before Sulahmana Bah added a second after rounding the goalkeeper.
Substitute Edward Ledlum sealed the win late on with a curling effort from the edge of the area. David Ndeunyema scored a consolation goal for Namibia in the final minutes.
Group F: Kenya edge Burundi in fiery contest
Burundi 0–1 Kenya
Scorer: Ogam (73')
Ten-man Burundi fell to a narrow defeat against Kenya in a hard-fought encounter.
Burundi’s Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was sent off after just two minutes for a reckless challenge on Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire, who had to be stretchered off.
Substitute keeper Byrne Odhiambo impressed, making several key saves to preserve Kenya’s clean sheet.
The decisive moment came when Ryan Ogam, introduced midway through the second half, curled home a stunning long-range effort to secure the win.