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Pakistan, October 14 — On Sunday, Ghana became the fifth African country to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The team that reached the quarterfinals in 2010 will now be joined by Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia in next year’s event taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ghana required a point against Comoros in its last match of Group I to guarantee advancement to consecutive World Cups and secured its spot with a 1-0 victory at Accra Sports Stadium. Ultimately, it wasn’t necessary as second-place Madagascar fell 4-1 to Mali. Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus netted the winning goal in the 47th minute to confirm Ghana’s qualification in impressive fashion.

Madagascar still came in second place, but a win would have enhanced its prospects of being among the top four second-place teams, which then qualify for the playoffs.

The nine team leaders automatically advance to the World Cup. The four top second-place teams compete in a small tournament consisting of two semifinals and a final in November.

The victorious team moves on to FIFA’s playoff tournament, facing competitors from Asia, CONCACAF, South America, and Oceania. Burkina Faso, who placed second in Group A after Egypt, concluded their group stage with a 3-1 victory over Ethiopia, as substitute Pierre Landry Kabore netted a hat trick in the second half. Egypt had already secured their spot and earned an additional win by defeating Guinea-Bissau 1-0. In Group E, Niger defeated Zambia 1-0 and finished in second place.