2026 WCQ Preview: Sudan and Senegal face off as Group B takes center stage

2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying from the African region continues over the weekend with two matches on Saturday, all in Group B. DR Congo kept the pressure high at the top of the group after securing victory on Friday and now it is Sudan and Senegal who will battle it out in Benghazi, Libya for top spot while Togo and Mauritania are desperate for a victory.

Group B

Togo vs Mauritania- Lomé, Togo (16:00 GMT)

Sudan vs Senegal- Benghazi, Libya (19:00 GMT)

Group B Table

• The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

• Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative in the intercontinental qualifying playoff.

One of the more anticipated matches takes place tomorrow when Sudan host Senegal in their adopted home venue of the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, Libya. The Falcons continue to exceed expectations in all competitions under Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah and now have an opportunity to prove they are for real against established African heavyweights Senegal.

The Sudan team under Appiah is is well known for its experience and defensive strength. With the exception of two players, the squad is entirely composed of players based in the Libyan Premier League and Sudan's two giant clubs, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh who are both competing in Mauritania's top flight Super D1 this season. Due to this factor, Sudan have an advantage over their opponents due to superior team chemistry.

Azam FC goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa and the captain, Merrikh right back Ramadan Agab, are the veteran defensive leaders. Al Hilal playmaker and goal scorer Mohamed Abdelrahman is who Sudan turn to for important goal contributions but he has a capable supporting cast around him, most of whom play with him at Hilal.

Senegal remain one of Africa's top sides with consistent results and an evolving group of players that contains both established stars and rising talents. Saturday marks head coach Pape Thiaw's first major test since taking over from the Lions of Teranga's long time mentor Aliou Cissé.

Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy joins captain and center back Kalidou Koulibaly as the defensive leaders along with tireless midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye. Moussa Niakhaté is set to partner Koulibaly after being preferred by coach Thiaw in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Pape Gueye (Villarreal, Spain), Lamine Camara (Monaco, France) and Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur, England) are all strong options to partner Gana Gueye.

The legendary Sadio Mané will occupy his usual place on the left wing with Ismaïla Sarr on the opposite flank, brining devastating pace and dribbling ability. Boulaye Dia and Cherif Ndiaye appear likely to form the top of the formation as the attackers with Habib Diallo also an option for a motivated Senegal team who remain firm favorites in this match.

In the earlier match on Saturday, Mauritania and Togo must win to keep their diminishing hopes alive. Both teams have had disastrous World Cup qualifying campaigns and will see Saturday's clash as an opportunity to build momentum. Considering a draw will be an unacceptable result, the potential for attacking play and goals appears strong.