Is the World Cup 2026 a moment of glory for African teams?

[Mpamaegbu]

Can we say that this World Cup is a moment of glory for African teams?

Yes, we can safely say that it's a glorious outing for Africa. For nine out of the ten to have made it through to the Round of 32, it isn't child's play. That's how I see it. Anyone can disagree with my position. Even with the knockout stage not favouring African teams as it's right now as more of them are getting stopped out by their opponents, I still give them kudos for showing determination. It's just sad that some of the teams felt complacent and let their feet off the pedal. I don't want to mention names so it doesn't look like an indictment. Kudos specially to Morocco for dumping the Netherlands. I hope Egypt and Ghana do same today and tomorrow against their opponents.

[Italian Panic]

Can we say that this World Cup is a moment of glory for African teams?

Yes, we can safely say that it's a glorious outing for Africa. For nine out of the ten to have made it through to the Round of 32, it isn't child's play. That's how I see it. Anyone can disagree with my position. Even with the knockout stage not favouring African teams as it's right now as more of them are getting stopped out by their opponents, I still give them kudos for showing determination. It's just sad that some of the teams felt complacent and let their feet off the pedal. I don't want to mention names so it doesn't look like an indictment. Kudos specially to Morocco for dumping the Netherlands. I hope Egypt and Ghana do same today and tomorrow against their opponents.

I expected more from the African teams, and it’s incredible how Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo threw away their chances of qualifying against England and Belgium in the space of a few minutes. I think the most striking example is Senegal: the team was ready to impress, and they did just that; unfortunately, a five minute lapse cost them everything.
Tunisia and Algeria are fielding players who don’t get consideration for the French national team, whilst Morocco remain the only side that could spring a surprise, and I must say they’re playing very well, a truly excellent team.

[Pandu Geddon]

That's the point I am to talking about, what's the need calling all the sweet names when we are not even sure of our position in a league that's just starting. Africans are making it big now but I not actually convinced and satisfied untill they attain something meaningful with it otherwise all will be considered a wasted energy. However, instead of the focusing more on hyping, it will be better channelling same energy and time in to bringing out tangible result because that's the only thing that can make me feel better not the glory stuff I'm hearing here.

We really can't say that it's glory time for teams from Africa right now. With the World Cup format having more teams, it indirectly gives more chances to teams that we could say are underdogs. So far, maybe Morocco has performed really well. But some teams might actually be making their own history for their national teams in this World Cup.

[Smartprofit]

Can we say that this World Cup is a moment of glory for African teams?

Yes, we can safely say that it's a glorious outing for Africa. For nine out of the ten to have made it through to the Round of 32, it isn't child's play. That's how I see it. Anyone can disagree with my position. Even with the knockout stage not favouring African teams as it's right now as more of them are getting stopped out by their opponents, I still give them kudos for showing determination. It's just sad that some of the teams felt complacent and let their feet off the pedal. I don't want to mention names so it doesn't look like an indictment. Kudos specially to Morocco for dumping the Netherlands. I hope Egypt and Ghana do same today and tomorrow against their opponents.

I expected more from the African teams, and it’s incredible how Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo threw away their chances of qualifying against England and Belgium in the space of a few minutes. I think the most striking example is Senegal: the team was ready to impress, and they did just that; unfortunately, a five minute lapse cost them everything.
Tunisia and Algeria are fielding players who don’t get consideration for the French national team, whilst Morocco remain the only side that could spring a surprise, and I must say they’re playing very well, a truly excellent team.

From a strategic perspective, the fact that Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco are strengthening their teams with players trained under the European system is, in my opinion, a huge advantage. It's precisely the lack of a European system that prevents African football teams from fully realizing their potential. 🙋

African footballers are incredibly athletic and demonstrate top-notch individual play. What they lack is  tactical discipline and consistency... So, England and Belgium's victories didn't surprise me. In this case, the system prevailed.

Morocco is a fantastic football team! They are probably the only African team with a realistic chance of winning this World Cup (or at least reaching the final). 💁

[Mpamaegbu]

I think the most striking example is Senegal: the team was ready to impress, and they did just that; unfortunately, a five minute lapse cost them everything.

While I don't want to do this open indictment, I'm cocksure the Senegalese players will forever be seen as villains by their compatriots. It reminds me of a certain Nigeria player, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who was known as Yak during his playing days at his club, missed a glaring opportunity to put the ball pass a Korean goalkeeper at the World Cup in South Africa during Nigeria vs South Korea game. Till date, I feel disgusted any time I see him online. This is 16 years ago but it still looks fresh to me. I'm sure that's how this crop of Senegalese players will be regarded by their people too now and years to come.

[Floxynice]

That's the point I am to talking about, what's the need calling all the sweet names when we are not even sure of our position in a league that's just starting. Africans are making it big now but I not actually convinced and satisfied untill they attain something meaningful with it otherwise all will be considered a wasted energy. However, instead of the focusing more on hyping, it will be better channelling same energy and time in to bringing out tangible result because that's the only thing that can make me feel better not the glory stuff I'm hearing here.

We really can't say that it's glory time for teams from Africa right now. With the World Cup format having more teams, it indirectly gives more chances to teams that we could say are underdogs. So far, maybe Morocco has performed really well. But some teams might actually be making their own history for their national teams in this World Cup.

Since this thread was created, more and more African teams have been eliminated. I really had hopes on Senegal judging from their performances in African Cup of Nations (AFCON), but no, my expectations were cut short. We shouldn't be happy just yet until the finals  then we can proudly make this bold statement about Africa. I love Africa and strongly wish for this glory to come to Africa through  any of the teams still in the game.

[Aanuoluwatofunmi]

This life is full of diverse experience because in Africa some are celebrating their moving better with their world cup performance, while some in Europe are complaining and saying that they are not well to do in this world cup because of their number of participation, but what I see of it all is that we can't predict until the last stage and only behold those that will make it to the final before anything can be draw as a conclusion on those who made it and those who were not able to reach the final stage in this FIFA world cup.

[Sunshine1525]

This life is full of diverse experience because in Africa some are celebrating their moving better with their world cup performance, while some in Europe are complaining and saying that they are not well to do in this world cup because of their number of participation, but what I see of it all is that we can't predict until the last stage and only behold those that will make it to the final before anything can be draw as a conclusion on those who made it and those who were not able to reach the final stage in this FIFA world cup.

It's nice to see that some African countries have improved and shown that they can do better if more opportunities to participate in the World Cup arises but what I understand from this particular tournament is that the African countries still have a long way to go, many might have tried in advancing from the group but you can see that none finished first position in the group.

It shows that they're not there' yet despite the improvement, the teams i felt could advance to the round of 16 have all been eliminated, now the only African team i feel might represent Africa more better is Morocco, hopefully they'll do better than the last World Cup but reaching the final stage would be suprising.

[Crytohillss]

I think the most striking example is Senegal: the team was ready to impress, and they did just that; unfortunately, a five minute lapse cost them everything.

While I don't want to do this open indictment, I'm cocksure the Senegalese players will forever be seen as villains by their compatriots. It reminds me of a certain Nigeria player, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who was known as Yak during his playing days at his club, missed a glaring opportunity to put the ball pass a Korean goalkeeper at the World Cup in South Africa during Nigeria vs South Korea game. Till date, I feel disgusted any time I see him online. This is 16 years ago but it still looks fresh to me. I'm sure that's how this crop of Senegalese players will be regarded by their people too now and years to come.

Having nine teams reach the Round of 32 says a lot about how much African football has grown, the results in knockout stage may be mixed but the performance have shown quality and resilience. Hopefully the remaining teams keep the momentum moving progress shouldn't be judged only many teams through is an achievement on its own, the next step is learning how to stay consistent when the pressure is high.

[Rubuchi]

You are right, absolutely right and this is the reason why in my previous comment, I did talked about Africa waking up to take our players more seriously, because Asia, Europe is doing differently that we are not doing is trying as much as possible to catch their players young, but here in Africa, we have old men of over 35 years and 40 years playing as under 20 and so, and there are alot of talents on the streets with no one to help them climb.

you have just said something deep that the internet may not have captured but is what is happening in real life for us who come from the African continent. Most of our players have their ages cut down, some even slashed as a result of being able to fit into a particular cadre or level of tournament. Those playing for under 18 are probably inntheir 25 or older, some are even worse than that. Somebody is at the age of 35 and more but still one of the players they are looking up to as their best player yet many of these players are supposed to be retired. Imagine playing with younger and more energetic players, you can't match their energies. They are fresh blood and ambitious.

[LUCKMCFLY]

It shows that they're not there' yet despite the improvement, the teams i felt could advance to the round of 16 have all been eliminated, now the only African team i feel might represent Africa more better is Morocco, hopefully they'll do better than the last World Cup but reaching the final stage would be suprising.

I agree with you, Morocco is a team that gave Brazil a run for their money, now they might even make a difference. The other team left is Ghana; I don't know if they can beat Colombia. Colombia is a very good team, but the Africans want to make history. In any World Cup, everyone wants to make history, but the African teams have been missing something, I don't know what it is, but it's something impossible, maybe luck.

[Tungbulu]

The truth is that I was intentional about that, for I like to face the reality. This is not to undermine African team, but they can't do more than what they are capable of. Talking about luck in football...lol, not like this one; it doesn't work that way. Luck may drag us further, perhaps, to somewhere between the quarter-final and semi-final, but I don't see us going farther than that. And the country that could luckily get us there is either Morocco or Egypt. The tides are not favourable, TBH.

I’m really not disputing the fact that you’re trying to make here. All I’m trying to say is that you just can’t tell what this World Cup would unfold, I’ve seen a lot of surprises so far in this World Cup, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they make it to the final (I’m not saying they have the capacity to though) I’m just saying the unexpected can happen as far as football is concerned.

[famososMuertos]

The truth is that I was intentional about that, for I like to face the reality. This is not to undermine African team, but they can't do more than what they are capable of. Talking about luck in football...lol, not like this one; it doesn't work that way. Luck may drag us further, perhaps, to somewhere between the quarter-final and semi-final, but I don't see us going farther than that. And the country that could luckily get us there is either Morocco or Egypt. The tides are not favourable, TBH.

I’m really not disputing the fact that you’re trying to make here. All I’m trying to say is that you just can’t tell what this World Cup would unfold, I’ve seen a lot of surprises so far in this World Cup, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they make it to the final (I’m not saying they have the capacity to though) I’m just saying the unexpected can happen as far as football is concerned.

The last team to truly surprise everyone was France in 1998. Since then, Spain’s breakthrough was long overdue. The point is, while there are surprises during the tournament's various stages, the usual suspects always seem to reach the final. And when the expected finalists are missing, it is typically a team that has already won the cup that takes the title.

BTW, Egypt let qualification slip away during regulation time

[Die_empty]

I agree with you, Morocco is a team that gave Brazil a run for their money, now they might even make a difference. The other team left is Ghana; I don't know if they can beat Colombia. Colombia is a very good team, but the Africans want to make history. In any World Cup, everyone wants to make history, but the African teams have been missing something, I don't know what it is, but it's something impossible, maybe luck.

The winner in the match between Egypt and Australia would be decided through penalties. The African side lost the opportunity to win the game in regular time when Mohammed Hany scored an own goal. The last time an African team played a penalty in this World Cup, they beat the Netherlands. The other African sides were knocked out in regular time.

Come on the Pharaohs.

[Jubilee58]

All the teams that will play in the 1/16 finals of the 2026 World Cup have been determined. 16 pairs of 32 teams have been formed. This list includes 9 African teams: South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Cape Verde, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana. Only Tunisia failed to advance from the group stage. Let's look closer at their performance.

Group A - South Africa 2nd place
Group B - none
Group C - Morocco 2nd place
Group D - none
Group E - Ivory Coast 2nd place
Group F - Tunisia 4th place
Group G - Egypt 2nd place
Group H - Cape Verde 2nd place
Group I - Senegal 3rd place
Group J - Algeria 3rd place
Group K - DR Congo 3rd place
Group L - Ghana 3rd place

It turns out that 9 out of 10 African teams successfully passed the group stage although many people did not think that so many teams from Africa would be able to qualify for the playoffs. Can we say that this World Cup is a moment of glory for African teams?

This is really encouraging about African teams, I believe they will go far this time, though in the last FIFA world cup, country like Morocco reached semi final, it may not be Morocco this time, but Africans are envisaging to see another African country to if possible even lift the FIFA world cup trophy.
The FIFA world cup has been within the European countries for so long now, and other countries, and continent are also striving to get it including Africa, so it will be very interesting if this time, the 2026 FIFA world cup goes to a different continent, and maybe Africa this time.

[Moreno233]

I agree with you, Morocco is a team that gave Brazil a run for their money, now they might even make a difference. The other team left is Ghana; I don't know if they can beat Colombia. Colombia is a very good team, but the Africans want to make history. In any World Cup, everyone wants to make history, but the African teams have been missing something, I don't know what it is, but it's something impossible, maybe luck.

The winner in the match between Egypt and Australia would be decided through penalties. The African side lost the opportunity to win the game in regular time when Mohammed Hany scored an own goal. The last time an African team played a penalty in this World Cup, they beat the Netherlands. The other African sides were knocked out in regular time.

Come on the Pharaohs.

Egypt finally won the match through penalty and that is a very big achievement. I was initially afraid that the match was going to end like the other African teams that scored first and lost the match but Egypt have very strong determination which they showcase tonight by scoring all their penalties. They are going to meet Argentina, who I believe will trash their opponent that is weaker. I think that may end the journey of the Egyptian side because they don't have what it takes to win Argentina.