Libya’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup were dashed after a disappointing 3-3 draw with Cape Verde in Tripoli in the penultimate round of qualifying.
The Libyans still had a chance to secure a place in the World Cup with a win over Cape Verde, and indeed, the Mediterranean Warriors came within a whisker of doing so, having led 3-1 with half an hour to go.
The Libyans missed several clear chances to secure a historic victory, only to be punished in the 76th minute with a bizarre goal that found the net after goalkeeper Murad Al-Wahshi failed to catch the ball, bringing Cape Verde back into the game.
حارس ليبيا يتسبب في اقصاء منتخبه من التأهل الى كأس العالم _هذي حتى شتيغن يستحي يسويها pic.twitter.com/cZbLFQSxn7
— عبدالله | M10 (@bdll_10) October 8, 2025
The visitors equalized in the 82nd minute through Willy Semedo, before scoring a fourth goal in the final minute, but it was ruled out for offside.
Overall, Cape Verde are the closest to qualifying for the World Cup, topping their group with 20 points, while Cameroon are second with 18 points, compared to just 15 for Libya, which has already been confirmed as missing out on the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
