World Cup 2026: African Teams Justifying FIFA’s Expanded Slots
Former Nigeria winger Ejike Uzoenyi believes Africa is well-positioned to emerge as a dominant force in global football, judging by the performances of the continent’s representatives at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Completesports.com reports.
Uzoenyi, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad and part of the late Stephen Keshi’s Super Eagles team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, said African teams have fully justified FIFA’s decision to increase the continent’s allocation to 10 places at the expanded World Cup.
The 34-year-old former Rangers International winger spoke after Morocco, Ivory Coast and South Africa secured places in the knockout stage following the conclusion of their respective group matches. Egypt and Ghana also remain in contention to qualify, while Cape Verde, Algeria and Senegal still have realistic hopes of progressing.
“Cape Verde can also qualify for the knockout stage. Egypt and Ghana too,” Uzoenyi told Completesports.com in an exclusive interview on Friday while assessing the performances of African teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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“Even Algeria and Senegal are in a good position to qualify as some of the best third-placed teams. It shows African football has come of age.
“Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast reaching the knockout stage from their groups demonstrates the growing strength of African football.
Africa’s Growing Strength On The Global Stage
“Truly, I’m not surprised by Morocco’s performance. They finished fourth at the last World Cup, and I strongly believe they can do even better this time around.
“Morocco see themselves as being at the European level, which is why they even sought to join European competitions. They have the right structure in place and are currently dominating African football.
“The same goes for Egypt, who have dominated African club football. Ivory Coast and South Africa are also making significant progress. I believe Africa will perform well at this World Cup.”
South Africa, despite losing 2-0 to hosts Mexico in their opening group match, recovered impressively to finish second in the group behind the hosts with four points, sealing a historic place in the knockout stage for the first time.
Morocco also advanced after finishing second in Group C with seven points, level with group winners Brazil.
In Group E, Ivory Coast booked their place in the second round with six points, the same tally as group leaders Germany.
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Egypt, in Group G, need only a draw or a victory in their final group match to qualify for the knockout stage, while Ghana, who also have four points alongside England, remain in contention ahead of their final group fixture.
World Cup 2026: Nigeria’s Absence Leaves A Void – Uzoenyi
Uzoenyi admitted, however, that Nigeria’s failure to qualify has diminished his excitement for the tournament.
“You know the Super Eagles are not at the World Cup, so it’s a dull feeling sitting in front of your television and watching other countries play,” Uzoenyi lamented.
“But that’s life, and it has to go on. Watching a World Cup without your country taking part can be disappointing. However, the tournament must continue. We can only learn from our mistakes and move forward.”
CAF Must Improve Television Coverage, Says Former Eagle
Uzoenyi also criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for limiting television coverage of its inter-club competitions to the group stage, arguing that the policy prevents the rest of the world from fully appreciating the quality of African football.
“Look at the performances of African teams at the World Cup 2026. They clearly show how much football has improved across the continent. Before now, however, many people around the world did not realise this.
“The reason is that CAF only provides television coverage of its club competitions from the group stage. If CAF competitions were televised from the preliminary rounds, the world would better appreciate the true potential of African football and its players,” Uzoenyi concluded.
