As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign recently concluded, nine African nations have officially secured their places in the global tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After months of intense competition, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Ghana, and Cape Verde emerged as Africa’s representatives at the 2026 World Cup. One final African slot remains open and will be decided through the intercontinental playoff round.
Africa’s representation is set to be stronger than ever, as these nations bring both seasoned leaders and rising stars to the world stage.
Morocco
Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a consistent and commanding campaign. Following their third consecutive appearance, the Atlas Lions once again demonstrated the fighting spirit and determination that made them Africa’s pride during their historic 2022 World Cup run in Qatar, where they advanced to the semi-finals.
They competed against Niger, Tanzania, Eritrea, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A recent 1–0 win over Congo sealed their ticket as they topped their group with 24 points and 20 goals. Morocco has made six previous World Cup appearances — in 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, and 2022. Their 2026 qualification extends that record to seven.
Algeria
Algeria finished top of Group G after a dominant campaign against Uganda, Mozambique, Guinea, Botswana, and Somalia. The Desert Foxes secured 25 points and scored 16 goals in total.
A 3–0 victory over Somalia on October 9 officially sealed qualification for Vladimir Petković’s side, marking Algeria’s first World Cup appearance since 2014 and their fifth overall.
Egypt
Egypt led Group A in style, collecting 26 points and scoring 18 goals from ten matches — a clear margin ahead of Burkina Faso, who finished second. Salah’s home country battled with Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Djibouti, wrapping up their qualifiers with a 1–0 win over Guinea-Bissau.
The Pharaohs will continue striving for their first World Cup victory after previous appearances in 1934, 1990, and 2018. Under coach Hossam Hassan, the Egyptian side has shown in CAF qualifying that they have the quality to make history.
Senegal
Senegal sealed their qualification after a commanding 4–0 win over Mauritania in their final 2026 CAF World Cup qualifying match.
Pape Thiaw’s team competed against Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritania, and Togo, finishing top with 24 points and 19 goals.
The Teranga Lions have represented their nation with pride, reaching the quarterfinals on their debut in 2002 and appearing again in 2018 and 2022. Their qualification for 2026 reinforces their status as one of Africa’s most successful footballing nations.
Tunisia
Tunisia topped Group H after an extraordinary campaign, finishing unbeaten with nine wins and one draw — amassing 28 points and scoring 22 goals. They competed against Namibia, Liberia, Malawi, and Equatorial Guinea.
A 3–0 win over Namibia in their final game capped off a perfect defensive record, as they qualified without conceding a single goal. The Carthage Eagles continue to prove their consistency as one of Africa’s most reliable teams on the global stage.
Ivory Coast
After 12 years away, the Ivory Coast have returned to the World Cup. The Elephants dominated Group F with 26 points and 25 goals, topping their group after defeating Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.
Their qualification campaign showcased the attacking brilliance and depth that once made them one of Africa’s most feared sides.
South Africa
South Africa secured their place in the expanded World Cup after finishing first in Group C — edging Nigeria and the Benin Republic by a single point. Their final 3–0 win over Rwanda confirmed their ticket to the global tournament.
This marks Bafana Bafana’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance, following previous outings in 1998, 2002, and 2010, when they hosted the tournament.
Ghana
Ghana clinched top spot in Group I with 25 points and 17 goals. Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus scored the decisive goal in their final match against Comoros, confirming their qualification.
The Black Stars battled past Madagascar, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Chad to secure their return to football’s biggest stage.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde’s footballing rise continues as they qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks topped their group with 23 points and eight goals, finishing ahead of Angola, Cameroon, Libya, Mauritius, and Eswatini.
Their remarkable journey from underdogs to world contenders marks a proud moment for the island nation.
Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Representatives:
Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Ghana, and Cape Verde — with one final slot still to be determined through the intercontinental playoffs.
