FIFA WC l 2026: After Morocco, who can create the feat?
In 2022, Morocco fractured the glass ceiling. Semi-finalists in Qatar, the Atlas Lions proved that an African team could stand up to the world’s best nations for a whole month. Four years later, Africa lands in North America with an unprecedented contingent of ten teams: South Africa, Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, DR Congo, Senegal and Tunisia. The question is no longer whether Africa can compete, but who can do as well or better?
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Morocco and Senegal, better African chances?
The starting point is Morocco itself. The Atlas Lions were the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, after being the first to play in a World Cup semi-final in 2022. Even though Walid Regragui is no longer in charge, the team looks great between the 2022 executives (Hakimi, Bounou, Aguerd, Ounahi...) and the new managers (El Aynaoui).
But the draw was not tender: Morocco challenged Brazil in group C, with Scotland and Haiti to complete the pool. As coach during the draw, Walid Regragui was clear about the ambitions of the Atlas Lions: "We’re playing one of the opening favorites, and they will also play one of the opening favorites." Leaving this group is already within reach of Moroccans, who aim to do as well as in 2022, or even more.
If another African team can replicate or surpass the Moroccan epic, it is Senegal. The qualifying numbers speak for themselves: Pape Thiaw’s team went through qualifying without a single defeat: 7 wins, 3 draws, 22 goals scored and only 3 conceded. While waiting to know who will finally be crowned winner of the CAN 2025, there is something more to go beyond the best Senegalese performance at the World Cup (1/4 final in 2002). Let’s note that Koulibaly and his teammates reached the 1/8th finals in 2022.
As for the workforce, Sadio Mané is 34 years old and still the guide. But the constellation of talents around him is real. Despite a group I that is far from being a sinecure (France, Norway, Iraq), the world of football is waiting for the Lions to shine in front of the world stage.
Algeria - Egypt - Côte d'Ivoire: on the lookout
Algeria is returning to the World Cup, after the absence of 2022, with a renewed generation around Aouar, Gouiri, Chaïbi, and Aït-Nouri. The Fennecs are in group J with Argentina, reigning world champions, Austria and Jordan. On paper, playing the entrance Albiceleste is the quintessential trap. However, the other two matches against Austria and Jordan are affordable for the Fennecs. We will therefore need to be on the lookout.
Egypt also has its chances. Mohamed Salah, 34, is probably fighting in what could be his last World Cup. This reality gives a particular emotional dimension to the Egyptian journey. Egypt is in group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, an objectively affordable draw, provided that Salah is at the peak of his form. If the Pharaohs leave the group, everything becomes possible in a direct elimination phase with the Pharaoh.
Côte d'Ivoire is coming in a different scenario. The Elephants will face Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao. The hen will not be easy. Nevertheless, barring a catastrophe, they should pass either by finishing in the first two places or by finishing among the best third.
The others in search of a feat
Ghana (Group L, England, Croatia, Panama) can hope to glean points against Panama and create a surprise, but the qualification will be considered an achievement. Tunisia (group F, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden), DR Congo (pool K with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan) and South Africa (group A, Mexico, South Korea, Czech Republic) will play their World on the line. As for Cape Verde, its first-ever participation, the group with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia promises to be ruthless.