Comoros secured a vital 2-0 win against the Central African Republic (CAR) in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday, strengthening their chances of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Played at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, Morocco, due to CAR’s lack of a FIFA-approved stadium, the victory propelled the multi-island nation of less than 900,000 inhabitants to second place in Group I.
Goals from captain Youssouf M’Changama in the 20th minute and Myziane Maolida in the 39th minute, both French-born players of Comoran descent, sealed Comoros’ fifth win in eight qualifiers. The result lifted the Coelacanths two places to second in Group I with 15 points, just one point behind leaders Ghana. Comoros currently rank as the fourth-best second-placed team across Africa’s qualification groups, trailing Cameroon and Senegal only on goal difference.
In the CAF qualification format, the nine group winners earn automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up advance to play-offs for an additional opportunity. Comoros’ strong performance keeps them in contention for either a direct spot or a play-off berth.
Comoros’ victory strengthens their position in a highly competitive Group I, where only one point separates them from leaders Ghana. With two rounds remaining, the islanders are well-placed to push for direct qualification or a play-off spot. Meanwhile, CAR, with only one win in eight matches, are effectively out of contention but will aim to restore pride in their remaining fixtures.
Looking Ahead
Comoros face a crucial final stretch to maintain their momentum, while CAR will look to regroup ahead of their next qualifier against Ghana on October 8, 2025. For the Coelacanths, this result underscores their growing stature in African football, following their historic 2021 Africa Cup of Nations appearance and a third-place finish at the 2025 COSAFA Cup.
