Performance of African Countries in the FIFA World Cup 2026: African Teams Down to 9
𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝗦 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝟵
With the elimination of Tunisia from the FIFA World Cup 2026, Africa’s representation at the tournament has been reduced to nine teams. While Tunisia became the first African nation to exit the competition after suffering heavy defeats, several African sides remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, with some teams yet to complete their second group-stage matches.
The tournament has already produced memorable moments for African football, with teams securing valuable points against some of the world’s footballing giants and demonstrating the growing competitiveness of African nations on the global stage.
Morocco Leading Africa’s Charge
Morocco have emerged as one of Africa’s strongest performers so far. The Atlas Lions opened their campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil before securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Scotland in their second Group C match.
With four points from two games, Morocco currently sit in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 32. Their disciplined defensive structure and ability to compete against elite opposition have once again highlighted why they remain one of Africa’s leading football nations.
Morocco’s final group match against Haiti will determine whether they advance as group winners or secure qualification through another route.
South Africa Keeping Their Dream Alive
Bafana Bafana remain in the hunt for a historic place in the knockout stages after fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta.
After losing their opening Group A match against Mexico, South Africa knew they needed a positive result to stay alive. Teboho Mokoena delivered when it mattered most, converting a late penalty to secure a crucial point and score South Africa’s first World Cup goal since 2010.
The draw leaves Hugo Broos’ side with one point heading into a decisive final group match against South Korea. Victory would give Bafana Bafana a genuine opportunity to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in the country’s history.
DR Congo Making History
One of Africa’s biggest success stories has come from DR Congo.
The Central African nation earned its first-ever World Cup point by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw. Yoane Wissa became a national hero after scoring DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal.
The result not only boosted DR Congo’s qualification hopes but also sparked celebrations across the country, including in communities battling difficult social and health challenges.
The Congolese now face Colombia in a crucial Group K encounter as they seek to continue their remarkable World Cup journey.
Ghana Starts Positively
Ghana also gave Africa reason to celebrate after defeating Panama 1-0 in their opening Group L fixture.
The Black Stars showed resilience and tactical discipline to secure all three points and now face tougher tests against England and Croatia.
With three points already secured, Ghana remain well-positioned to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
Egypt Showing Determination
Egypt have quietly built momentum in Group G.
After drawing 1-1 with Belgium in their opening match, the Pharaohs followed it up with a valuable 3-1 victory over New Zealand. The win placed Egypt firmly in contention for qualification.
Led by a disciplined defensive unit and clinical finishing, Egypt have demonstrated that they possess the quality to compete against strong international opposition.
Their final group-stage clash against Iran could prove decisive.
Senegal Facing a Tough Challenge
Senegal’s World Cup campaign began with a difficult 3-1 defeat against France in Group I.
Although the result was disappointing, the Lions of Teranga still have opportunities to recover. Matches against Norway and Iraq offer Senegal a pathway back into contention.
The West Africans possess enough experience and talent to challenge for qualification if they can produce positive results in their remaining fixtures.
Cape Verde Continuing to Impress
Cape Verde have continued their rise in international football with some impressive performances.
A goalless draw against Spain was one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, and they followed that up with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
With two points from two matches, Cape Verde remain very much alive in Group H and have shown they can compete against traditionally stronger football nations.
Algeria Looking to Bounce Back
Algeria opened their World Cup campaign with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Argentina.
However, the Desert Foxes still have opportunities to recover through upcoming matches against Jordan and Austria.
Qualification remains difficult, but Algeria possess enough quality to make a late push if results go their way.
Ivory Coast Staying Competitive
Ivory Coast made a positive start by defeating Ecuador 1-0 before narrowly losing 2-1 to Germany.
Despite the setback against the Germans, the Elephants remain in contention heading into their final group fixture against Curaçao.
A victory could be enough to secure qualification depending on other results.
Tunisia Become First African Team Eliminated
Tunisia became the first African nation eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 following successive defeats.
After losing 5-1 to Sweden in their opening match, the North Africans suffered another heavy defeat, losing 4-0 to Japan.
The results ended Tunisia’s hopes of progressing and reduced Africa’s active representatives from ten to nine.
Despite the disappointment, Tunisia will still aim to finish their campaign on a positive note when they face the Netherlands.
Africa’s Overall Performance So Far
African teams have collectively produced encouraging performances throughout the opening stages of the tournament.
Notable achievements include:
- Morocco holding Brazil and defeating Scotland.
- DR Congo earning a historic draw against Portugal.
- South Africa keeping qualification hopes alive.
- Ghana securing an opening victory.
- Egypt strengthening their qualification chances.
- Cape Verde earning valuable points against Spain and Uruguay.
- Ivory Coast remaining competitive in a difficult group.
These performances underline the growing strength and depth of African football on the world stage.
Upcoming Matches for African Teams
Several crucial fixtures still lie ahead for Africa’s remaining representatives:
- South Africa vs South Korea
- Morocco vs Haiti
- Colombia vs DR Congo
- England vs Ghana
- Croatia vs Ghana
- Egypt vs Iran
- Senegal vs Norway
- Senegal vs Iraq
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
- Ivory Coast vs Curaçao
- Algeria vs Jordan
- Algeria vs Austria
These matches will determine how many African nations progress to the Round of 32.
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Looking Ahead
With nine teams still alive in the competition, Africa continues to dream of a deep World Cup run. Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, DR Congo and South Africa have all shown signs that they can compete with football’s elite nations.
As the group stage enters its decisive phase, African supporters across the continent will be hoping more teams can secure their place in the knockout rounds and continue flying the continent’s flag on football’s biggest stage.
While Tunisia’s elimination is a setback, Africa’s overall performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been encouraging, competitive and full of promise. The coming days could see several African nations making history and advancing further than ever before.
References (Mainstream Media)
- Reuters – Cape Verde coach dreams big after stunning World Cup start
https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/cape-verde-coach-bubista-dreams-big-after-stunning-world-cup-start-2026-06-22/ - Reuters – Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller
https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/defiant-cape-verde-hold-uruguay-2-2-draw-miami-thriller-2026-06-22/
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