The expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico is ongoing and for the first time in history, Africa is represented by a record 10 nations: Algeria, Cabo Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
Twelve days into the group stages, the African contingents have delivered a rollercoaster of breathtaking performances, spirited battles, and a few crushing disappointments. Here is how the continent’s finest have fared so far.
The High Flyers: Doing the Continent Proud
Morocco, Egypt, and Ghana have arguably been the torchbearers for Africa, carrying their weight with tactical discipline and confidence to sit unbeaten after two games.
- Morocco (Group C): Proving their 2022 semi-final run was no fluke, the Atlas Lions sit on four points. They made a massive statement in New York by dictating the tempo for long stretches in a thrilling 1-1 draw against five-time world champions Brazil.
- Egypt (Group G): The Pharaohs currently sit top of their group with four points, highlighted by an impressive 1-1 performance against European heavyweights Belgium.
- Ghana (Group L): The Black Stars have navigated a tricky group with poise, currently holding second place with four points and looking incredibly dangerous heading into the final matchday.
Below Par: Heavyweights Suffer Early Exits
On the other end of the spectrum, two traditional powerhouses have found the North American terrain deeply unforgiving and have already suffered elimination.
- Senegal (Group I): The Lions of Teranga, reigning African champions, have been the tournament’s biggest disappointment. Amid off-field distractions regarding bonuses, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to France and a 3-2 loss to Norway, resulting in a shocking early exit.
- Tunisia (Group F): The Carthage Eagles were tipped to impress but completely collapsed defensively. A 5-1 thrashing by Sweden followed by a 4-0 whipping by Japan has left them at the bottom of their group with zero points and nine goals conceded.
Diminished Chances: Hanging by a Thread
As the final group matches loom, several nations find themselves staring down the barrel of early elimination, requiring miracles to advance.
- South Africa (Group A): Bafana Bafana had a sobering start, losing 2-1 to co-hosts Mexico. While they revived their campaign slightly with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, they sit on just one point. Their upcoming clash against South Korea is a dire must-win.
- DR Congo (Group K): Returning to the global stage, the Leopards have battled hard but have only a single point to show for it after a draw and a loss, leaving their knockout fate largely out of their hands.
Heart and Soul: The African Fighting Spirit
While the points tally might not entirely reflect it, Cabo Verde and Ivory Coast have played their hearts out, showcasing the raw, relentless energy that makes African football so special.
World Cup debutants Cabo Verde (Group H) have been the story and the darling of the tournament. The Blue Sharks have exceeded all expectations, shocking fans with a 0-0 draw against European giants Spain—where 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Josimar ‘Vozinha’ Dias made seven crucial saves—before holding two-time champions Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 draw. Ivory Coast (Group E) has also displayed incredible fight, highlighted by a dramatic 90th-minute winner from Amad Diallo to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia. And last night, Ghana shocked the almighty England with a spectacular display of 0-0 draw that got Englishmen and women shaking their heads in disbelief!
Across this World Cup, African nations are proving they can compete with the very best. Every point earned, every goal scored, and every strong performance is a statement that Africa belongs on football’s biggest stage and that Africans are now partakers and will no longer be mere spectators on the global football scene.
The journey continues, and the continent has every reason to be proud. Who knows? The World cup may very well be won by an African country! The time is ripe and the continent is yearning for victory!
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