When following CAF Group I, the Confederation of African Football's Group I for the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, comprising six national teams competing for a single tournament slot. Also known as Group I, it sits at the heart of World Cup qualification, the multi‑stage process that decides which nations advance to FIFA's flagship event and reflects the broader landscape of African football, the sport's competitive scene across the continent, overseen by the Confederation of African Football. The group’s schedule, player form and tactical shifts directly influence who earns the coveted spot.
In recent weeks, teams like Nigeria and Uganda have shown why consistency matters. A surprise 2‑0 win over Kuwait highlighted Fabio Cannavaro’s impact on Uzbekistan, while Portugal’s injury‑time header kept their qualifier run flawless. These match‑day stories illustrate how CAF Group I blends seasoned stars with emerging talent, creating a unpredictable race that keeps fans glued to every kick. Off the pitch, governance issues such as the resignation of Nigeria’s Innovation Minister remind readers that politics can ripple into football, affecting squad selections and preparation.
Readers will notice three recurring threads: (1) the tactical battle for points, where defensive solidity often outweighs flashy attacks; (2) player performance spikes that can change a team’s fortunes, like Rúben Neves’ decisive header for Portugal; and (3) external factors—schedule changes, administrative decisions, and even global tech outages—that can disrupt a campaign. Understanding these layers helps make sense of why a single goal can shift the entire group’s dynamics.
Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that break down each match, profile standout players, and explore the bigger picture surrounding CAF Group I. Dive in to stay ahead of the qualifiers and see how the race for the World Cup unfolds across Africa.
Mali host Madagascar in a decisive World Cup qualifier at Bamako's Stade du 26 Mars, with the runner‑up spot and playoff hopes on the line.