World Cup Qualifiers: October 2025’s Thrilling Race to North America

As the autumn chill sets in across the globe, the pitch is heating up with the latest round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. With the tournament now less than a year away—kicking off in June 2026 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States—the stakes couldn’t be higher. This expanded 48-team extravaganza is already seeing some nations punch their tickets, while others cling to slim hopes. From Africa’s dominant Pharaohs to Europe’s surprise leaders and Asia’s high-stakes clashes, here’s your roundup of the action from the October international window. Buckle up—North America awaits!

Africa Leads the Charge: Egypt’s Pharaohs Crown Themselves Kings

Africa’s qualifiers have been a rollercoaster, with nine direct spots up for grabs and the continent’s teams showing why they’re perennial dark horses. The big news? Egypt has officially qualified for their fourth World Cup appearance, thanks to a clinical 3-0 dismantling of Djibouti on October 8 in Casablanca. Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool talisman, was in vintage form, bagging a brace to take his tally to nine goals in the campaign. Ibrahim Adel added the third, sealing top spot in Group A with a game to spare.

The Pharaohs join Morocco and Tunisia as Africa’s early qualifiers, with Morocco’s 5-0 thrashing of Niger back in September still fresh in fans’ minds. But it’s not all smooth sailing—Ghana edged closer to qualification with a 5-0 romp over the Central African Republic, needing just a point against Comoros on Sunday to book their flight. Cameroon, meanwhile, kept their title dreams alive with a 2-0 win over Mauritius, though they’ll likely need the playoffs via the best runners-up route.

Over in South Africa, Bafana Bafana find themselves in a do-or-die spot. After a frustrating draw against Zimbabwe on October 10, Hugo Broos’ men head to Rwanda on Tuesday needing a win—and a slip-up from Nigeria—to stay in the hunt. As one pundit put it, “Bafana dug themselves deeper into the hole,” but with the continent’s passion on their side, miracles aren’t off the table.

Key Upcoming Fixtures (All Times ET):

October 13: Nigeria vs. Benin (Noon)

October 13: South Africa vs. Rwanda (Noon)

October 13: Senegal vs. Mauritania (3pm)

Europe: Surprises Galore as Underdogs Bite Back

UEFA’s qualifiers, which kicked off in March and run through November, are delivering plot twists worthy of a spy thriller. With 16 spots available (Russia still suspended), the 12 groups are a battlefield of heavyweights and minnows. Leading the shock charts? Switzerland, who stunned Sweden on Friday and could clinch Group B with a win over Slovenia on Monday—provided Kosovo drops points. Norway, powered by Erling Haaland’s boot, tops their group, while Slovakia and North Macedonia are the ultimate party crashers.

England and France are lurking in the wings, but don’t sleep on the drama: Israel’s matches against Norway (Saturday) and Italy (Tuesday) are proceeding amid geopolitical noise, with FIFA brushing off ban calls as “geopolitical issues.”7549a7 Spain, meanwhile, takes a hit with Dani Olmo sidelined by a calf injury for games against Georgia and Bulgaria.

Thursday’s slate was electric: France hosted Azerbaijan, Belgium faced North Macedonia, and Germany hosted Luxembourg. Evan Ferguson of Ireland summed up the grit, saying, “No one comes here to want to lose games.”165275 Expect more fireworks as the double-headers wrap up.

Standout Group Leaders:

Group B: Switzerland (Could qualify Monday)

Norway’s Group: Haaland’s heroes on top

Asia and the Americas: Clashes That Could Define Continents

Over in AFC, the October window is packed with fireworks. Qatar faces Oman on October 8, with tickets for their UAE clash dropping the next day. Japan, South Korea, and Australia are grinding through rivals, while underdogs like Indonesia make waves. Oceania’s party is just starting—New Zealand, the All Whites, are favorites for their direct spot, but watch for island showdowns like Papua New Guinea vs. Solomon Islands from October 8-12.

CONCACAF’s final round heats up October 9-14, with hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico already in. Battles between Jamaica, Honduras, and Panama could decide the three direct spots and two playoff berths. South America’s CONMEBOL wrapped in September, but the ripple effects continue—Colombia and Ecuador are locked in after gritty wins.

The Big Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Sweating?

As of October 10, 19 nations have qualified, including the tri-hosts and standouts from every confederation.0aeb4e Africa (12 spots) is nearly done, Europe (16) has months left, and inter-confederation playoffs loom in March 2026 for the final two berths.

Written by Gold Oyeniran