By Femi Amusan
Almost 100 years after the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, football’s biggest prize returns from June 11 to July 19, 2026, co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada. For Africa, this edition feels different. The continent’s impact has been modest — only 37 World Cup wins in history, with Morocco’s 2022 semi-final the high point. But with a record 10 African nations qualified, the question is louder than ever: “Is this Africa’s time?”
A Century of Breakthroughs, Not Dominance
Africa’s World Cup story has been defined by landmark moments rather than trophies. Cameroon reached the quarter-finals in 1990, Senegal matched it in 2002, Ghana did the same in 2010. Then Morocco “shattered the ceiling in Qatar,” becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals and recording Africa’s best finish ever. The continent also set a record for wins in one tournament in 2022, with 8 victories across Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana and Tunisia.
The expanded 48-team format has boosted Africa’s representation to 9 direct slots plus 1 playoff spot. Nigeria, Africa’s most frequent qualifier with 6 World Cup wins, misses out for the second straight edition after losing to DR Congo in the playoff. As a Super Eagles star lamented, “It’s not normal to have ten teams in Africa without Nigeria”. DR Congo sealed Africa’s 10th ticket with an extra-time win over Jamaica, ending a 52-year wait since their only appearance as Zaire in 1974. “We are extremely proud because a whole generation hasn’t been able to see its national team in the World Cup but now they will see them there,” said their French coach Sebastien Desabre.
The 10 African Representatives & Their Chances
According to FIFA rankings and group draws:
1. Morocco placed in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, Scotland and in FIFA Ranking 7
The Atlas Lions carry Africa’s best hopes. Ranked 7th globally and 2022 semi-finalists, they proved African teams can compete with Europe and South America. With Achraf Hakimi and a defense built on discipline, they can survive Brazil and push deep again.
2. Senegal in Group I with France, Iraq, Norway | FIFA Rank: 14
African champions 2021 and 2002 quarter-finalists. Led by Sadio Mané, they blend experience and physicality. Group I has France, but Senegal’s tournament pedigree makes them Africa’s second-best bet.
3. Egypt in Group G: will contend with Belgium, Iran, New Zealand | FIFA Rank: 29
Seven-time AFCON winners still seeking their first World Cup win. Mo Salah’s likely last World Cup gives extra motivation. They qualified with 8 wins from 10. Salah and Omar Marmoush can steal points.
4. Ivory Coast in Group E. Will play Germany Curaçao, Ecuador | FIFA Rank: 34
Reigning AFCON champions who qualified with 7 wins and 0 goals conceded. The balance across Europe’s top leagues gives them a real chance against Germany in Group E.
5. Ghana in Group L alongside England, Croatia, Panama | FIFA Rank: 73
Quarter-finalists in 2010 and Africa’s first to go that far. They qualified with 8 wins from 10. The group is brutal, but Ghana’s history of rising for the World Cup keeps them dangerous.
6. Algeria in Group J to contend with Argentina, Austria, Jordan | FIFA Rank: 28
Qualified with 8 wins from 10. North African tactical discipline is their edge. Argentina makes Group J tough, but Algeria has a history of upsetting big teams.
7. Tunisia in Group F against Netherlands, Japan, Sweden | FIFA Rank: 46
Topped their group with 9 wins and 0 goals conceded. Defensive organization makes them strong underdogs in a competitive group.
8. South Africa in Group A with Mexico, South Korea, Czech Republic | FIFA Rank: 60
Return after qualifying with 5 wins. Hosts in 2010, they beat France that year. Group A is open and winnable for Bafana Bafana.
9. Cape Verde in Group H against Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay | FIFA Rank: 68
World Cup debutants from a nation under 600,000 people. They shocked Cameroon to top their qualifying group. Drawn with Spain and Uruguay, but their fearless qualifying run shows intent.
10. DR Congo in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan | FIFA Rank: 46
Back after 52 years following playoff wins over Nigeria, Cameroon and Jamaica. Built around Europe-based stars like Axel Tuanzebe and Cedric Bakambu. Group K is winnable beyond Portugal.
So, What Are Africa’s Chances?
Statistically, Africa has never won the World Cup. But the numbers are shifting. Ten teams means more chances to reach knockouts. Morocco at 7th in FIFA rankings and Senegal at 14th lead Africa.
The expanded format helps: “More teams, more matches, more opportunities for upsets.” Morocco proved in 2022 that belief plus organization can take an African team to the last four. With Senegal, Ivory Coast and Egypt also carrying tournament experience, Africa has depth it never had before.
Winning the World Cup still looks a stretch with Europe and South America dominating. But reaching a final? For the first time, that does not sound crazy. If Morocco repeats 2022 and Senegal or Ivory Coast catch fire, Africa could finally play for the biggest prize in football.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11. For Africa, it is not just about participation anymore. It is about legacy.
Femi Amusan, a coach and frontline sports journalist, National Treasurer of SWAN, examines African teams ahead of World Cup 2026.
