Nigerian billionaire, investor and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has praised Africa’s representatives at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and called on FIFA to improve refereeing standards following the elimination of Africa’s last remaining team, Morocco.
“Well done to all the African countries that represented our continent at the World Cup. You made Africa proud and showed the world what African football is capable of,” Elumelu wrote on X. “But FIFA needs to improve the standard of refereeing because if poor officiating continues, it will damage the game. Congratulations once again to every African team.”
Elumelu’s comments came after Morocco’s campaign ended with a 2-0 quarter-final defeat to France on Thursday, ending Africa’s participation at the expanded 48-team tournament.
Morocco was Africa’s best-performing side, reaching the quarterfinals after eliminating hosts Canada in the Round of 16 before losing to a France side inspired by captain Kylian Mbappe. Egypt became only the second African nation after Morocco to reach the Round of 16, while Ghana, Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa exited in the Round of 32. Tunisia was the only African side to bow out in the group stage.
Nine of Africa’s ten representatives progressed beyond the group stage — the continent’s strongest collective performance at a World Cup.
Morocco pressed France throughout in Boston, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saving a first-half penalty from Mbappe to keep the match level at the break. Mbappe broke the deadlock on the hour before setting up Ousmane Dembele six minutes later to secure France’s place in a third consecutive World Cup semi-final, where they will face Spain.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the Atlas Lions had shown they represented more than Morocco alone.
“We know we represent more than just one country. We represent the Moroccan people, and many countries across Asia and Africa. Many people see themselves in this team, and we’ll keep working to win titles in the future,” he said.
Several other African teams also left their mark. Egypt led defending champions Argentina 2-0 with minutes remaining in a dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 defeat. Debutants Cape Verde twice fought back against Argentina, before losing . Senegal led Belgium 2-0 with five minutes remaining before losing in extra time.
Morocco did not match their Qatar 2022 semi-final run. But nine teams in the knockout rounds, Egypt pushing Argentina to 3-2, Cape Verde taking the world champions to extra time — the 2026 FIFA World Cup gave African football more to build on than any previous tournament.
