World Cup Qualifying: CAF and CONCACAF Preview
While plenty of national sides have already punched their tickets to next summer's World Cup, the next week of international action offers plenty of intrigue for Ligue 1 McDonald's players -- read on for our preview of the action Africa and North America.
CAF: Four teams, one playoff place
In Africa, nine countries have sealed their places in next year's tournament, but four more are vying for a place in next year's intercontinental playoff, having come second in their respective groups. Gabon, Nigeria, Cameroon and DR Congo make up a quartet of teams who will face each other in knockout matches tomorrow and Sunday, with the winner advancing to face an opponent from among Bolivia, New Caledonia and a team from Asia.
The first semifinal pits Nigeria against Gabon, and each of the two countries will look to wily veterans to power them to a place in Sunday's final. Olympique de Marseille's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been involved in ten goals in all competitions for his club this season, and he'll be joined by young Angers defender Jacques Okimié as they take on the Super Eagles. In the last international break, Aubameyang netted four goals against Gambia, and will be eager to repeat that performance. Nigeria, of course, will be led by Moses Simon -- the Paris FC winger has more than eighty caps for his country and will look to help his country overcome Gabon.
🇬🇦 AUB4MEYANG ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️#FIFAWorldCup | @Auba pic.twitter.com/D8am4I13hc
— Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_fr) October 10, 2025
The other tie sees DR Congo take on Cameroon and neither side is shy of Ligue 1 representatives. While Auxerre's Danny Namaso misses out through injury, the Lorient duo of Arthur Avom and Darlin Yongwa will be joined by Aboubakar Nagida (Rennes) and Frank Magri (Toulouse). As for DR Congo, their captain is none other than LOSC's Chancel Mbemba. He'll be joined by his club teammate, youngster Ngal'ayel Mukau and Le Havre 'keeper Lionel Mpasi.
CONCACAF: all to play for
While Canada, Mexico and the United States have already qualified, there's still plenty to unspool in North America, as the winners of each of three groups will win an automatic spot. In Group A, Marseille's Amir Murillo and Panama are level on points with Suriname with two matches to play. In Group C, Haiti are still in the running for top spot, with Angers' Carlens Arcus headlining a group of six France-based players.
