Var Room

CAF confirms VAR for first use in African World Cup playoff matches

Wednesday 12 November 2025 - 09:31

By: Dakir Madiha

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be used for the first time in the African World Cup playoff matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This landmark decision marks a significant advancement in officiating standards on the continent. The playoffs, set to take place in November 2025, will feature four teams: Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo, competing in a knockout format to secure a place in the intercontinental playoff tournament in March 2026.

These single-leg matches will be held in Rabat, Morocco, with the semi-finals scheduled for November 13 and the final on November 16. To guarantee fairness and accuracy in crucial decisions such as goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity, VAR will provide essential support to referees throughout the matches.

CAF has also detailed other key regulations for these fixtures. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will be played. Should the deadlock persist, the outcome will be decided by a penalty shootout. Teams are allowed up to five substitutions during normal time, with an additional substitution permitted in extra time.

This implementation of VAR is seen as a progressive step aimed at curbing the controversial refereeing that has often affected African qualifiers. For teams like Nigeria, which have faced contentious decisions in the past, VAR offers a crucial tool to ensure that outcomes are decided fairly on the pitch.

The playoffs are highly competitive, with Nigeria facing Gabon and Cameroon going up against DR Congo. The winner of the final match in Rabat will progress to compete in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff, offering a coveted path to the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The use of VAR in this playoff stage signals CAF’s commitment to aligning with international FIFA standards and enhancing the quality and integrity of African football’s most important qualification matches.