2026 World Cup: Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire win, Cape Verde and DR Congo cause a sensation... Africa's results after the first matchday

The Good Students

Côte d'Ivoire 1-0 Ecuador

The Elephants made a strong start in a tough group alongside Germany. In Group E, Côte d'Ivoire won against Ecuador (1-0) and now sit in second place, behind a Germany side who crushed Curaçao 7-1. A solid victory that puts Amad Diallo and his teammates in a very good position moving forward, ahead of a decisive clash with the Mannschaft.

Ghana 1-0 Panama

The last African representative to enter this 2026 World Cup, Ghana allowed the continent to finish the first matchday with a second victory, thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi's goal, who downed Panama in the 95th minute in Toronto. A hard-fought win, far from convincing in terms of their play.

The Black Stars, who had to cope without Thomas Partey, accused of rape and whose visa was refused by Canadian authorities, were outplayed by a fearless Canaleros side. This last-minute win changes everything for Ghana before facing England and Croatia, the two favorites in Group L.

The Sensations

Cape Verde 0-0 Spain

This is arguably the biggest surprise of the first round. In their first ever World Cup match, Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw, thanks in large part to their goalkeeper Vozinha, who was outstanding. An extraordinary result for the Blue Sharks, playing in their first ever World Cup and holding one of the tournament favorites. In Group H, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Spain all find themselves level on one point each. A historic debut for the small island nation.

Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

Returning to the World Cup after 52 years away, DR Congo put in a historic performance by holding one of the title contenders, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, thanks to a goal from Yoane Wissa. Trailing from the 6th minute after a well-placed header from João Neves, Sébastien Desabre's men didn't panic. They gradually raised their game and intensified their pressing until Wissa's historic equalizer—a powerful header on a superb Arthur Masuaku cross just before halftime.

DRC even almost pulled off the perfect heist: in the 76th minute, a lightning-fast counterattack brilliantly led by Cédric Bakambu tormented the Portuguese defense, but his shot was too high and missed the target. A historic, foundational point that sends a strong message to the footballing world.

The Good Results

Morocco 1-1 Brazil

On Saturday, Morocco started off with a 1-1 draw against Brazil in a match where the Atlas Lions dominated the first half. In Group C, Scotland leads with 3 points, while Morocco and Brazil follow with a point each. Holding Brazil is still an excellent result for the Atlas Lions, confirming their status as a solid force in world football. Mohamed Ouahbi's men remain in the hunt for qualification.

Egypt 1-1 Belgium

In Group G, Belgium and Egypt ended with a draw (1-1). The Pharaohs, returning to the World Cup, took a valuable point against a high-caliber opponent. In this group, Iran and New Zealand are also tied on 1 point, making the race for qualification very open.

The Disappointments

South Africa 0-2 Mexico

The African opening day started on a sour note. In the World Cup opening match, the Mexicans won 2-0 against South Africa in Mexico City. In Group A, Mexico leads with 3 points, South Korea is next with 3 points as well, leaving South Africa in last place with 0 points. The Bafana Bafana are already up against the wall before their match against the Czech Republic this Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Senegal 1-3 France

A tough start for the Senegalese, beaten 1-3 by France, even though they put in an excellent first half. Norway tops Group I with 3 points, followed by France (3 points), while Senegal remains with 0 points after defeat. The Lions want to move on from this loss to France before facing Norway and Erling Haaland. In an already tricky group, the Senegalese cannot afford another mistake.

Algeria 0-3 Argentina

Argentina took advantage of a Messi hat-trick to record a 3-0 win over Algeria. A football lesson for the Fennecs, who find themselves in a very tough spot right from the start of the tournament. In Group J, Argentina and Austria both have 3 points, leaving Algeria on zero points and at the bottom. The Algerians' schedule now looks ruthless.

Tunisia 1-5 Sweden

This was the biggest African disappointment of the opening day. Sweden ran out 5-1 winners against Tunisia. A genuine hammering for the Carthage Eagles, who had hoped to spring a surprise in Group F. Tunisia are in last place in Group F, with no points. The mission now looks almost impossible for the Tunisian team, who nonetheless already have one achievement: they sacked their coach after just one match.

Sabri Lamouchi was ousted to make way for Hervé Renard, hoping for the same result as the last time Renard succeeded Lamouchi. That was with Côte d'Ivoire, and Hervé Renard went on to win the 2015 AFCON...