Ivory Coast started their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in impressive fashion, demolishing Seychelles 9-0 on Friday. However, several African heavyweights endured more hard-fought victories.
The Ivorians made a statement performance in their Group F opener, led by teenage striker Karim Konate’s brace. Hamed Traore also scored twice after coming off the bench.
Seychelles goalkeeper Carlos Simoen made several excellent saves to prevent further humiliation for the minnows in the one-sided match.
The result provides serious motivation ahead of Ivory Coast’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations events in January.
Based on these figures, the Ivorians appear serious contenders to secure a place at the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America.
Elsewhere, favorites like Cameroon and Ghana were left wanting, despite eventually prevailing against low-ranked opposition.
Cameroon led Mauritius just 1-0 at half-time and came away late to win 3-0. Ghana let it go later too, finally breaking Madagascar’s resistance in the 96th minute through Inaki Williams.
Tunisia were similarly subdued in a 4-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe. Mali and Zambia earned emphatic home wins over Chad and Congo respectively.
In Group I, Comoros beat Central African Republic 4-2 in an entertaining encounter. While Malawi upset Liberia 1-0 away thanks to a substitute Chifundo Mphasi winner.
With only nine direct World Cup spots available, plus one place in the inter-confederation play-offs, the African giants know consistency is key as the qualifiers progress.
Three more qualifying matches will be played on Saturday to complete the first round of matches in the African zone.
There are nine groups in the African qualifiers with the winner advancing to the 2026 finals.
The four best runners-up have an additional chance to qualify in a two-tier playoff system.