CAF has officially confirmed Morocco as the host nation for the CAF Play-off Tournament in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Play-off is scheduled to take place from November 13th-16th 2025, and will feature the four best second placed teams from the African qualifying groups.
CAF is expected to stage the matches in one of Morocco’s top stadiums, with the Africa Cup of Nations Stadiums being a strong candidate.
It will also serve as a useful preparatory exercise ahead of the 2025 AFCON, which Morocco will host in December.
The play off format will consist of two single leg semi finals and a final.
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If a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will go into 30 minutes of extra time, split into two 15 minute halves. If there is still no winner, a penalty shootout will decide the outcome.
Teams will be permitted five substitutions during regular time, with an additional substitution allowed during extra time.
Only the winner of the final will secure a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off, where they will face an opponent from another confederation for a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, set to be co hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
