Africa will have a strong presence at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, with ten teams booking their place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The question now is whether any African team can better Morocco’s historic run at Qatar 2022, where they reached the semi-finals. Read on as we assess their chances.
Africa’s finest are eager to impress
Online bookmakers think Morocco and Senegal are the African teams most likely to make a deep run at this summer’s tournament in North America.
For bettors more familiar with playing crypto live dealer games, odds of 66/1 on Morocco to lift the trophy may seem like a tempting proposition.
However, given that no African team has ever reached the final, those bettors may be well advised to stick to wagering on games such as blackjack and roulette.
The Atlas Lions were expected to win the AFCON title on home soil earlier this year, but were ultimately defeated 1-0 after extra-time in the final by Senegal.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently stripped Senegal of the title, and the controversial row is still rumbling on several weeks later.
Morocco will be eager to make a point at the World Cup, but it is difficult to imagine them having the quality to progress any further than the quarter-finals.
Senegal could use the injustice they feel to fuel a deep run, but reaching the last eight will probably be as good as it gets for them this summer.
Related: Infantino: All 2026 World Cup Matches Sold Out
Ivory Coast could be best of the rest
Ivory Coast were previously one of the most feared African teams, but the old guard have passed the torch to a more inexperienced group of players.
Attacking trio Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand and Amad Diallo could be devastating if they click into gear, and they will look to capitalise on a relatively favourable group.
However, there are serious doubts about whether they can make it beyond the last-16. The same goes for Algeria and Egypt. The latter will rely heavily on Mohamed Salah, who is now a fading force.
Tunisia have repeatedly failed to deliver on the biggest stage and may not make it out of their group. By contrast, Ghana could be contenders to reach the knockout stage.
They have been drawn to face Panama, England and Croatia in the opening phase. If they win their opening game, securing another point could be enough to get the job done.
They have a dangerous attack, and may cause some of the more fancied nations plenty of problems in climate conditions which will suit them down to the ground.
South Africa may be awkward opponents
South Africa, Cape Verde and DR Congo will want to make an impression at the 2026 World Cup.
Bafana Bafana are making their first appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010. They emerged from African qualifying with flying colours.
South Africa are not expected to make a deep run, but they could be awkward for opponents. However, that may not be enough to progress beyond the round of 32.
Cape Verde’s miraculous World Cup qualification is already a fairytale story. They are making their first appearance on the world stage.
However, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay are tough group stage opponents and Cape Verde look destined to finish bottom of the standings.
DR Congo qualified for the World Cup by defeating Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs, but are also expected to make an early exit from the tournament.
