Africa’s Nine Representatives for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have concluded, confirming the nine nations that will represent the continent in the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How They Qualified
- South Africa sealed their return with a 3–0 win over Rwanda in Mbombela, topping Group C and qualifying for their first World Cup since 2010. Goals from Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa ensured Bafana Bafana edged out Nigeria and Benin to claim top spot.
- Ivory Coast defeated Kenya 3–0 in Abidjan, with Franck Kessié, Yan Diomande, and Amad Diallo on the scoresheet. The Elephants finished top of Group F to secure their first appearance since 2014.
- Senegal crushed Mauritania 4–0 in Diamniadio, with Sadio Mané scoring twice and Iliman Ndiaye and Habib Diallo adding the others. The Teranga Lions topped Group B and booked a third consecutive World Cup.
- Morocco beat Congo 1–0 in Rabat, thanks to Youssef En‑Nesyri’s goal, setting a world record with their 16th consecutive win in qualifying.
- Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana had already secured qualification earlier in the campaign with decisive group‑topping performances.
- Cape Verde made history by qualifying for their first ever World Cup, defeating Eswatini 3–0 in Praia to top Group D.
Mini‑Profiles of the Nine African Teams
Morocco – Atlas Lions
- World Cup history: 6 appearances, semi‑finalists in 2022.
- Key players: Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En‑Nesyri, Sofyan Amrabat.
- Coach: Walid Regragui.
- Note: Finished with a flawless record and 16 straight wins.
Tunisia – Carthage Eagles
- World Cup history: 6 appearances since 1978.
- Key players: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Hannibal Mejbri.
- Coach: Jalel Kadri.
- Note: Clinched Group H with trademark defensive solidity.
Egypt – Pharaohs
- World Cup history: 3 appearances (1934, 1990, 2018).
- Key players: Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.
- Coach: Rui Vitória.
- Note: Returned after missing Qatar 2022.
Algeria – Desert Foxes
- World Cup history: 4 appearances (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014).
- Key players: Riyad Mahrez, Mohammed Amoura.
- Coach: Djamel Belmadi.
- Note: Amoura’s 10 goals were decisive in qualification.
Ghana – Black Stars
- World Cup history: 4 appearances, quarter‑finalists in 2010.
- Key players: Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey.
- Coach: Otto Addo.
- Note: Secured qualification with a 1–0 win over Comoros.
Cape Verde – Blue Sharks
- World Cup history: Debut in 2026.
- Key players: Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues.
- Coach: Bubista.
- Note: Smallest African nation ever to qualify for a World Cup.
South Africa – Bafana Bafana
- World Cup history: 3 appearances (1998, 2002, 2010).
- Key players: Teboho Mokoena, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis.
- Coach: Hugo Broos.
- Note: First World Cup since hosting in 2010.
Ivory Coast – Elephants
- World Cup history: 3 appearances (2006, 2010, 2014).
- Key players: Franck Kessié, Sébastien Haller, Amad Diallo.
- Coach: Emerse Faé.
- Note: Returned after a decade away with a dominant final win.
Senegal – Teranga Lions
- World Cup history: 3 appearances (2002, 2018, 2022).
- Key players: Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaïla Sarr.
- Coach: Aliou Cissé.
- Note: Secured qualification in style with a 4–0 win over Mauritania.
The Playoffs: One Ticket Still to Play For
Africa’s tenth and final World Cup spot will be decided in a playoff mini‑tournament in Morocco from November 13–16, 2025. The four best runners‑up — Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon — will contest two semi‑finals followed by a final.
- Semi‑final 1: Nigeria vs Gabon (Nov 13)
- Semi‑final 2: Cameroon vs DR Congo (Nov 13)
- Final: Winners meet on Nov 16
The champion will advance to the inter‑continental playoff in March 2026, where six teams from Asia, South America, Oceania, and CONCACAF will compete for the final two World Cup berths.
For giants like Nigeria and Cameroon, this is a chance at redemption after missing out on automatic qualification. For Gabon and DR Congo, it represents an opportunity to make history by reaching the finals for the first time.
Looking Ahead
Africa’s nine confirmed representatives head to North America with a mix of experience and fresh ambition. Morocco and Senegal carry the weight of recent success, South Africa and Ivory Coast return after long absences, and Cape Verde will make history as debutants. The playoff winner will complete the line‑up, ensuring Africa sends its largest contingent ever to a World Cup.
