Overview

• England became the first European qualifier after a 5–0 win over Latvia to clinch Group K.
• Qatar beat the United Arab Emirates 2–1 in Doha, and Saudi Arabia advanced on goals-scored tiebreak after a 0–0 draw with Iraq to secure Asia’s last two direct spots.
• South Africa, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire sealed Africa’s remaining places with wins over Rwanda (3–0), Mauritania (4–0) and Kenya (3–0), respectively.
• Nigeria routed Benin 4–0 behind a Victor Osimhen hat-trick, missing automatic qualification but reaching the CAF playoff; Benin was eliminated.
• The CAF playoff will feature Nigeria, Gabon, DR Congo and Cameroon in November in Morocco for a chance to reach the intercontinental playoffs in 2026.