FIFA WC 2026: Performances of African teams during March break
Original public source text. It may contain French even on an English source page. This is not a reviewed English translation. Recovered images and media appear below when available.
Image unavailable.
All original articlesApart from DR Congo which played its play-off final and Cape Verde which competed in the FIFA Series, the international break in March was an opportunity for the other eight African countries qualified for the 2026 World Cup, to start with friendly matches the preparation for the tournament which will take place from June 11th to July 19th. And the results are rather encouraging two months before the event.
Côte d'Ivoire
Image unavailable.
It is probably the team that impressed the most during this truce. Reinforced with the arrival of Martial Godo and the returns of Simon Adingra and Nicolas Pépé, Côte d'Ivoire made the perfect match during this truce. And these three offensive assets all scored. The first two in the correction inflicted to South Korea (4-0) then Pépé to offer the victory (1-0) against Scotland despite a big rotation of Emerse Faé. Beyond her striker who was attractive, it is especially the defensive performance of Côte d'Ivoire that is to be praised. Two clean sheets in two matches, enough to reassure before June.
Senegal
Image unavailable.
The March window rimed with celebration for Senegal who celebrated their AFCON 2025 trophy at the Stade de France by a victory (2-0) against Peru then against neighboring Gambia (3-1) in Diamniadio. Pape Thiaw also had the opportunity to do turnover and saw new ones at work like Nobel Mendy or even Mamadou Diakhon. With a goal and an assist, Ibrahim Mbaye definitely confirmed his talent after the promises during the competition in Morocco.
Morocco
Image unavailable.
The Atlas Lions launched a new era with their new coach Mohamed Ouahbi. But the positive dynamic on which Morocco was under Walid Regragui, continued with an intense match against Ecuador, concluded by a draw (2-2) then a controlled victory against Paraguay (2-1). Highly anticipated for his debut, Issa Diop responded with two convincing starts for his first two selections.
Egypt
The Pharaohs were deprived of their historical leader Mohamed Salah, but no inspiration. Egypt inflicted a heavy defeat (4-0) on Saudi Arabia for their first exit before holding Spain in check (0-0), Tuesday evening in Barcelona. Hossam Hassan’s men were serious and diligent, with a defense still as tight.
Algeria
The Fennecs also showed a reassuring face during this truce. Faced with a relatively weaker opposition in their first match, Algeria regaled with a 7-0 festival against Guatemala. Vladimir Petkovic’s men then pulled together, failing to deploy against Uruguay to hold a draw (0-0) and remain unbeaten during this window.
Tunisia
The Carthage Eagles did not lose a match during this truce, but were far from impressive. Deprived of Yan Valery and Hannibal Mejri, Tunisia contented themselves with a narrow victory (1-0) against Haiti before playing a draw against Canada (0-0), one of the host countries of the World Cup. In default of being brilliant, Tunisia was solid for the first two games of Sabri Lamouchi who threw Rani Khedira to whom he allowed 76 minutes against Haiti then 70 against the Canadians. His experience has been a considerable asset for the Eagles, particularly in the phases of possession and transitions.
South Africa
Of all the Mondialists who have delivered friendly matches in March, only South Africa has played its two games on the continent. Bafana Bafana had only one opponent, Panama. After a draw (1-1) won in Durban thanks to a cannon shot by Oswin Apollis, the men of Hugo Broos who played the return match in Cape Town, lost (1-2) despite a goal from Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Before June, South Africa, which is returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, has a lot on its plate.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde, qualified for its first World Cup, took part in the FIFA Series during the international window of March, in New Zealand. At Eden Park, in Auckland, the Requins Bleus played two games. The first one was against Chile which ended with a 4-2 defeat. Dailon Livramento and Sidny Cabral scored the goals for Cape Verde. The second meeting took place against Finland. Cape Verde could not do better than a draw (1-1). But the team imposed themselves on penalties with two saves from goalkeeper Marcio Rosa.
Ghana
This is the worst preparation carried out during this truce. Ghana was worrying in its two sorties. First against Austria who humiliated him (5-1) then against Germany (2-1). A cataclysmic truce that was won by coach Otto Addo, leaving the Black Stars in a visual navigation two months before the World Cup. Nevertheless, four profiles stand out for his succession.