Tunisia currently lead a rather weak Group H with the North African nation holding a two-point edge heading into March fixtures from 2026 World Cup qualifying. Sanctions handed out to Equatorial Guinea have opened up opportunities for Namibia, Liberia and Malawi to make history and these nations will believe anything is possible. Read more on why they may have a chance to upset the odds below.
Group H Table (4 matches played)
Points | |
Tunisia | 10 |
Namibia | 8 |
Liberia | 7 |
Malawi | 6 |
Equatorial Guinea | 3 |
São Tomé and Príncipe | 0 |
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 at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
March Fixtures
March 19- Liberia vs Tunisia (Monrovia, Liberia)
March 20- Malawi vs Namibia (Lilongwe, Malawi)
March 21- Eq. Guinea vs São Tomé (Malabo, Eq. Guinea)
March 24
Namibia vs Eq. Guinea (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Liberia vs São Tomé (Monrovia, Liberia)
Tunisia vs Malawi (Tunis, Tunisia)
Evaluation
This is the weakest group but that means opportunities for nations who might otherwise not be in the race for qualification. Equatorial Guinea, the second seeded team in the group, were dealt two defeats by forfeit after forward Emilio Nsue was deemed ineligible. He was cleared to return for the March fixtures but it may be too late for Nzalang Nzalang.
A Tunisia team in transition remains the favorite to win the group but Equatorial Guinea's misfortune presents a dream opportunity for Namibia and Liberia. Liberia in particular has two matches at home including a clash with minnows São Tomé, but if they can find a way to draw or defeat Tunisia the possibilities are endless. For COSAFA nations Malawi and Namibia, their duel in Lilongwe could present a result that has massive implications going forward.
Key Players
Aïssa Laïdouni- Tunisia (Club: Al Wakrah [QAT])
The fierce central midfielder continues to form on of the best midfield pairings in African football with the experienced Ellyes Skhiri. While his intensity and combative nature is immediately apparent, Laïdouni also has strong technical abilities and a consistent mentality that leads the Carthage Eagles by example.
Tunisia may not be quite as strong as we have seen in previous editions but their powerful midfield duo can be depended on to give the North Africans an edge over their less pedigreed Group H rivals. A strong midfield and defense makes it less of an urgent matter for the Tunisian attack to figure things out.
Peter Shalulile- Namibia (Club: Mamelodi Sundowns [RSA])
The veteran poacher is perhaps showing some signs of decline at Sundowns but is still a potent finisher who is beginning to find his form in the 2024-25 season. However, while his numbers are adequate for his country the lethal finishing is not quite as apparent as when he plays with his club.
Shalulile's shortcomings for Namibia became most apparent during the Brave Warriors' surprise run to the Round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. At times it seemed like Namibia made it that far in spite of Shalulile rather than because of him. After failing to score in six 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, it is time for the 31-year-old to deliver while his nation is still in contention to qualify for the World Cup.
Oscar Dorley- Liberia (Club: Slavia Prague [CZE])
A midfielder who got his start with Monrovia Club Breweries in his home country, Dorley is a Liberian football success story who grinded his way from playing in Lithuania to regularly competing in UEFA club competitions. Known for his versatility with Czech club Slavia Prague, Dorley is an essential component in the heart of the Liberian midfield.
Liberia is a capable side who have not found a way to elevate their play when playing against more highly regarded competition. Captain Dorley, who forms a strong central partnership with Scotland-based Nohan Kenneh, has an opportunity to do something that even African football legend and former Liberian president George Weah could not do: lead his team to a World Cup finals.
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