2026 WCQ: Madagascar, Mali secure wins to blow Group I wide open

Audio By Carbonatix

Madagascar and Mali revived their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes on matchday seven, blowing Group I wide open with just three rounds left to play.

Ghana began the round with a three-point cushion over nearest challengers Comoros and had the chance to double that gap. But a frustrating draw away to Chad allowed the chasing pack to close in—and they seized it.

In Casablanca, Madagascar battled to a hard-fought 2–0 win over the Central African Republic, climbing above Comoros into second place on 13 points, just three behind leaders Ghana. Later in Bamako, Mali swept aside Comoros 3–0 to reignite their own campaign, moving up to third with 12 points.

The pressure on Ghana is set to intensify on Monday: Madagascar can pull level on points with the Black Stars if they beat Chad at 16:00 GMT, before Ghana host Mali in a pivotal showdown at 19:00 GMT.

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2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Black Stars

Madagascar

Mali