As It Stands: Africa’s Race to the 2026 World Cup

Column, DNEWSINFO —  The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, brings a historic moment for African football.

With the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams, Africa’s representation has grown significantly—from five to nine automatic qualification spots and an additional intercontinental playoff opportunity. This increased access is not merely symbolic; it opens the door for a broader spectrum of nations to earn their place on the world stage, rewriting the story of African participation in the most prestigious tournament in global football.

CAF’s qualification structure is simple, but the battle is intense. African countries have been divided into nine groups. The winner of each group qualifies directly, while the four best runners-up enter a playoff tournament to compete for a place in an intercontinental playoff. From there, only one team will advance to the main tournament. Every game matters, and every point could mean the difference between making history or watching from home.

Among the front-runners is Morocco, who set the world ablaze in Qatar 2022 with their historic semifinal run. That success wasn’t a fluke; it was a product of years of development, discipline, and tactical maturity. They currently lead their qualification group convincingly and have one foot in the 2026 tournament already. Their squad, full of European-based stars and led by coach Walid Regragui, is arguably the most balanced on the continent.

Another strong contender is Egypt, powered by Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs are not just leading their group—they’re doing so with authority. They’ve blended youth with experience, and under Rui Vitória’s guidance, Egypt looks hungry to return to the global stage after missing out on the knockout phase in recent editions. Their current form suggests they’ll make the cut without needing to go through the play-off route.

South Africa has become one of the surprise success stories in the qualifiers so far. The Bafana Bafana are showing new life under Hugo Broos, leading their group with determination. Their combination of domestic talent and tactical discipline has made them tough opponents, and they seem likely to return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting it in 2010.

Algeria, always a strong contender, has bounced back from disappointing campaigns with a string of solid performances. Sitting top of their group, they appear to be on course to claim another World Cup appearance. Likewise, Tunisia continues its reliable record in qualification campaigns. With structured play and a solid backline, the Carthage Eagles are marching toward another global outing.

The Ivory Coast, fresh from their dramatic triumph at the 2023 AFCON, have rediscovered their championship form. Their current group campaign has been steady, with quality players like Sébastien Haller, Franck Kessié, and Simon Adingra leading the way. They remain strong favorites to top their group, though challenges from Gabon and others make their route slightly less straightforward.

Senegal, led by Aliou Cissé and spearheaded by Sadio Mané, is another team expected to qualify. While their qualification group is tighter than anticipated, their squad’s depth and experience make them formidable. A couple of wins in key fixtures should seal their qualification—either directly or through the runners-up playoff.

Cameroon and Ghana are both in the mix but are not having it easy. Cameroon, with its rich World Cup history, is in a tight race with Cape Verde and Angola. The Indomitable Lions must sharpen their finishing and control games better to avoid slipping into the playoff zone. Ghana, on the other hand, is entangled in a three-way fight with Mali and Madagascar. Despite boasting young talent like Kudus Mohammed, inconsistency continues to plague them.

Perhaps the biggest shock comes from Nigeria. The Super Eagles, with names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Wilfred Ndidi, are underperforming. They sit below South Africa and Benin in their group, facing criticism from fans and analysts alike. Yet, if any team can engineer a last-minute comeback, it’s Nigeria. Their attacking quality remains among the best in Africa, and they’re still within mathematical reach of qualification.

Beyond these traditional powerhouses, teams like Mali, DR Congo, Guinea, and Burkina Faso are mounting serious challenges. Mali, in particular, has impressed with their tactical awareness and athletic midfielders. Their consistent performance might give them their first-ever World Cup appearance. DR Congo and Burkina Faso are also in strong second-place positions and could enter the playoff stage if they keep momentum.

These remaining fixtures will be decisive. Matches such as Senegal vs. Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire vs. Gabon, Nigeria vs. South Africa, and Ghana vs. Mali will shape the final list. Every point gained or dropped in these encounters could mean qualification or elimination. The margins are razor-thin, and any slip-up could be fatal.

In summary, Africa’s path to the 2026 World Cup is wide open, more so than in any previous edition. Traditional giants are being tested, and emerging nations are proving their mettle. While teams like Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa are leading comfortably, the fight is far from over. With more slots, Africa will surely have a louder voice in 2026, but which countries will take those places remains a thrilling question. The coming months will not only determine who gets to North America but may also reveal a shift in the power dynamics of African football.

By Taiwo Olatinwo| June 28, 2025.