Africa will have a record 10 representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Senegal, Morocco, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Egypt will be joined by Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo and debutants Cape Verde as Africa looks to build on Morocco’s historic semi-final run in Qatar four years ago.
Yet Africa’s record representation also comes with notable absentees. Nigeria and Cameroon, among the continent’s most recognised football nations, will both watch from home. The Super Eagles, despite being three-time AFCON champions, lost 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in a tense playoff in Rabat after the match finished 1-1 following 120 minutes – ending their hopes of ending a two-tournament absence from the World Cup. Cameroon, Africa’s most frequent World Cup participants with eight appearances, finished four points behind first-time qualifiers Cape Verde in their group before falling to DR Congo in the playoff semifinals.
Mali, ranked 10th in Africa, also fell short despite being one of the continent’s most improved sides in recent years. Mali finished third in Group I with 18 points from 10 matches, behind group winners Ghana, who qualified directly.
In this first part, Africa Interviews looks at five of the continent’s most prominent contenders, Senegal, Morocco, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Egypt, and what fans can expect when the tournament begins in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Senegal: Africa’s Most Complete Team?
Senegal arrive in North America as one of Africa’s strongest sides, having won the 2025 AFCON final 1-0 on the pitch against hosts Morocco in Rabat in January – though the title was subsequently awarded to Morocco by CAF’s Appeal Board following Senegal’s controversial walk-off protest, a ruling Senegal are contesting at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Teranga Lions qualified unbeaten, winning seven of their 10 matches while scoring 22 goals and conceding only three. The squad remains packed with players from Europe’s top leagues, including Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye and Nicolas Jackson.
Their biggest strength is balance. Senegal are strong defensively, energetic in midfield and dangerous on the counterattack. They also have recent World Cup pedigree, having reached the quarter-finals in 2002. Questions remain over who will consistently provide goals through the middle, but Senegal’s depth and experience make them one of Africa’s best hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Morocco: Building on History
Morocco changed African football history in Qatar when they became the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final. Four years later, expectations are even higher.
The Atlas Lions qualified comfortably, winning all eight of their qualifying matches while scoring 22 goals and conceding only two. Captain Achraf Hakimi remains the team’s most influential player, while Brahim Diaz and PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari provide attacking quality.
A new coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has replaced Walid Regragui and is widely expected to encourage a more attacking approach. Morocco’s challenge will be handling the pressure that comes with their new status. They are no longer underdogs, but arguably genuine contenders to reach the knockout stages and potentially challenge for a place among the tournament’s last eight.
Ghana: Can Experience Spark Another Surprise?
Ghana head into the tournament under veteran coach Carlos Queiroz after a turbulent period that included poor results and a coaching change in the lead-up to the World Cup.
The Black Stars qualified strongly, finishing six points clear in their group after winning eight of 10 matches. Much will depend on Antoine Semenyo, who arrives after an outstanding club season and is widely viewed as Ghana’s biggest attacking threat. Captain Jordan Ayew also remains a key figure.
Defensive injuries and the absence of Mohammed Kudus present challenges, but Ghana have a history of exceeding expectations at World Cups. The Black Stars famously reached the quarter-finals in 2010 and remain one of Africa’s most recognised World Cup teams.
Ivory Coast: Africa’s ‘Dark Horses’
Back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014, Ivory Coast, AFCON 2023 champions on home soil, arrive with growing confidence after an impressive qualifying campaign and a recent victory over France in a friendly.
Coach Emerse Fae has assembled one of the youngest squads in the tournament, with a group built around speed, creativity and attacking football. The Elephants did not concede a single goal during qualification, winning eight matches and drawing two while scoring 25 times.
Players such as Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Christ Oulai represent the next generation of Ivorian talent. The main concern is experience. Unlike previous Ivory Coast teams led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, few members of the current squad have played on football’s biggest stage.
Even so, many observers see the Elephants as one of Africa’s potential surprise packages.
Egypt: Can Salah Finally Make History?
No African nation has won more Africa Cup of Nations titles than Egypt, but the Pharaohs are still searching for their first FIFA World Cup victory.
Head coach Hossam Hassan guided Egypt through qualification without defeat. The team won eight matches, drew two and conceded only two goals. As always, much attention will focus on Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool legend remains Egypt’s biggest star and was directly involved in 60 per cent of the team’s qualifying goals. Alongside Salah, Omar Marmoush and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy will play crucial roles.
Egypt’s strength lies in their defensive organisation and tactical discipline. Their challenge is generating enough attacking threat against stronger opposition. If Salah produces one final great World Cup performance, Egypt could finally break new ground on football’s biggest stage.
In Part Two, Africa Interviews profiles Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo and Cape Verde – the remaining five African nations at FIFA World Cup 2026.
