Could an African team possibly win World Cup 2026 this summer? The bookmakers don’t think so – the traditional giants like Spain, France, and Argentina are among the favorites – but Africa may have other ideas.
Egypt
It seems fitting to start with Egypt because of two star names: Mohamed Salah recently concluded his career with Liverpool, serenaded by the fans after the Premier League season, and Omar Marmoush won two domestic cups with Manchester City. Hossam Hassan is considered more of a motivator than a master tactician, but he may not need to be with Egypt’s talent in attack. They play Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran in the group stage. They’re seen as underdogs to reach the quarter-finals and beyond, and missed out on the last World Cup.
Morocco
Moroccan legend Walid Regragui, who led them to the semi-finals four years ago, stepped back to be replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi. He has implemented a more possession-heavy style, with width provided by the tremendous Achraf Hakimi. Though the Paris Saint-Germain player was injured in the semi-finals of the Champions League, he is back for the World Cup. Hakimi supports an attack that includes Brahim Diaz; the pair take many of Morocco’s set pieces, which are often crucial in international football (and have been a key part of club football this season).
Despite Morocco’s achievements in 2022 and record of beating the biggest teams, they are considered unlikely by the bookmakers to reach the latter stages again. They play another soccer heavyweight Brazil in their first game, then face Scotland and Haiti.
South Africa
South Africa play co-hosts Mexico in the tournament’s opening match on June 11. They travel to Mexico City with captain, keeper, and penalty-saving specialist Ronwen Williams behind a strong defence. Bofana Bofana were 27 games unbeaten before a loss to Egypt at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
If there’s one lesson from their World Cup qualifying campaign (other than to check their administrative procedures – South Africa fielded an ineligible player, meaning a 2-0 win turned into a 3-0 loss), it may be to spend more training time on finishing chances. South Africa will be backed to keep clean sheets, but a lack of clinical strikers could be their downfall. They’re currently considered underdogs against Mexico, but the odds may change pre-kickoff – fans can check on a mobile betting app for SA users.
Senegal
FourFourTwo magazine in the UK called Senegal the most likely African side to win the World Cup. That is based in part on Sadio Mane’s continued presence – although the winger missed the 2022 tournament, he is still their talisman, despite the talents of Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson. Senegal play France, Norway, and Iraq. With the attacking power, Pape Thiaw has a choice in how he wants to approach the group: attack as he usually does, or mix in unpredictability, as he managed in the AFCON final (though Senegal’s victory was retracted – Morocco were retrospectively crowned kings due to Senegal’s players walking off the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision).
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast had an extremely solid qualifying campaign, not conceding a single goal in 10 matches. Their star is arguably Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, who provides much of the pace in attack. That may be needed in transitions, as Ivory Coast could struggle if they try to dominate possession. The midfield lacks some creativity, but does include Milan’s Franck Kessi, a multi-talented centre-mid whose athleticism could prove useful in the heat.
Ivory Coast have an intriguing group with Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao, making their debuts.
Algeria
Algeria will like their chances of progressing to the knockouts – they meet Argentina first but then play Jordan and Austria – and may prove one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams. They score plenty and concede plenty. Mohamed Amoura is responsible for a fair share of those – he netted 10 of 24 goals in qualifying.
But Algeria tend to struggle at set pieces, and the questionable defending of Rayan Ait-Nouri (which may be difficult to improve after he was displaced at club level) gives an accurate picture of their back four as a whole. That defence is protected somewhat by Ismaël Bennacer, but the midfielder was unfancied at Milan so loaned out to Dinamo Zagreb.
Tunisia
Like Ivory Coast, Tunisia didn’t concede in their entire qualifying campaign. Their entire team commits to defending – they’re encouraged to put in the hard yards by Sabri Lamouchi, a taskmaster who is not the most adventurous coach. Tunisia do have some creativity: Hannibal Mejbri, a former Man United graduate now at Burnley, joins the hard work but injects some guile.
Tunisia has a tough group. They might fancy their chances against Sweden but then play Netherlands and Japan.
DR Congo
DR Congo are no one’s favorites for the trophy, but do have attacking quality that could trouble group opponents Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. They have a solid defence too, but lack creativity in the midfield of their probable 4-3-3.
Cedric Bakambu will want to light up the country’s first ever tournament after the 35 year old had a difficult season with club Real Betis.
Ghana
Ghana play Panama, Croatia, and one of the tournament’s favorites, England in their group. But they have celebrated players of their own and Antoine Semenyo of Man City, and Bournemouth earlier in the season, will know many of his English opponents – as will many of his teammates, in fact. Ghana are one of Africa’s most well represented nations in England’s Premier League and have depth in the squad from other stars like the experienced Inaki Williams.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde’s first ever World Cup will have to spring some surprises if they’re to progress from a group containing Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. The team lacks depth and goals, but Dailon Livramento is one to watch. He’s one of the more clinical players and will likely be at the tip of a 4-2-3-1. Pedro Brito, who has overseen the team since 2020, has built a close group; his players have said the coach brings “joy” and “life” to their time together.
Last word
A first-ever African champion is considered unlikely by the sportsbooks, but football is full of upsets. Greece won EURO 2024; Leicester City won the Premier League a decade ago and have now been relegated to the third tier; and not many pundits predicted Morocco to make the last four in 2022. Currently they and Senegal are seen as the likeliest African challengers.
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