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 the 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?”
Africa’s World Cup story has been defined by landmark moments rather than trophies. Cameroon reached the quarterfinals in 1990, Senegal matched it in 2002, and 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 eight victories across Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana and Tunisia.
The expanded 48-team format has boosted Africa’s representation to nine direct slots plus one 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 10 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.
According to FIFA rankings and group draws:
Morocco is placed in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, and they are 7th in the FIFA Ranking.
The Atlas Lions, who were 2022 semi-finalists, carry Africa’s best hopes. They have proven that African teams can compete with Europe and South America. With Achraf Hakimi and a defence built on discipline, they can survive Brazil and push deep again.
Senegal are in Group I with France, Iraq, Norway, and they are 14th in FIFA’s current ranking.
They were African champions in 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.
Egypt in Group G will contend with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, and they are placed 29th in the FIFA ranking.
The seven-time AFCON winners are still seeking their first World Cup win. Mo Salah’s likely last World Cup gives extra motivation. They qualified with eight wins from 10. Salah and Omar Marmoush can steal points.
Ivory Coast, in Group E, will play Germany, Curaçao and Ecuador, and they are 34th in the FIFA ranking.
The AFCON champions in 2023 qualified with seven wins and no goals conceded. The balance across Europe’s top leagues gives them a real chance against Germany in Group E.
Ghana are Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama and ranked 73 in the world.
Quarter-finalists in 2010 and Africa’s first to go that far. They qualified with eight wins from 10. The group is brutal, but Ghana’s history of rising for the World Cup keeps them dangerous.
Algeria, which are in Group J, will contend with Argentina, Austria and Jordan. They are ranked 28th in the world.
They qualified with eight wins from 10. North African tactical discipline is their edge. Argentina makes Group J tough, but Algeria has a history of upsetting big teams.
Tunisia, ranked 46th, are in Group F against the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden. They topped their group with nine wins and no goals conceded. Defensive organisation makes them strong underdogs in a competitive group.
South Africa, which qualified for the Mundial at the expense of Nigeria, are in Group A with Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic. They are placed 60th in the FIFA ranking.
They qualified with five wins. They were hosts in 2010; they beat France that year. Group A is open and winnable for Bafana Bafana.
Cape Verde, a nation with under 600,000 people, are World Cup debutants; they are in Group H against Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. They are ranked 68th in the FIFA ranking.
They shocked Cameroon to top their qualifying group. Their fearless qualifying run shows intent.
DR Congo are back at the Mundial after 52 years, following playoff wins over Nigeria and Jamaica. They will be playing in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. They are 46th in the FIFA ranking.
Built around Europe-based stars like Axel Tuanzebe and Cedric Bakambu, they could scale through Group K.
Statistically, Africa has never won the World Cup. But the numbers are shifting. Ten teams means more chances to reach knockouts. Morocco are 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 organisation can take an African team to the last four. With Senegal, the 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 on June 11. For Africa, it is not just about participation anymore. It is about legacy.
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