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

[Fivestar4everMVP]

To me the only pride of Africa is Cape Verde, Morocco and Egypt, they're representing well, especially Cape Verde, they didn't lose any game in this tournament in 90mins, they outplayed Argentina yesterday night, Cape Verde shocked the world, and they left with a good record. Morocco has been a very good representative for years in the world cup stage and they keep proving it.

Egypt will face Argentina next, I want them to play just like Cape  Verde, because they are more complete team than Cape Verde, and I expect more mature game from them, Argentina to me is not even tough to play, Cape Verde Exposed that yesterday, let Egypt knock them out.

Indeed, this three countries have made africa so proud even though Cape Verde have left in the round of 16 games and couldnt it make to the quarter finals, Morocco have managed to eliminate their host in the world Cup in the round of 16 and have successfully advanced to the quarter finals, this is very beautiful to see and my wish now is that Morocco can reach the finals.

And speaking on Egypt battling it out with Argentina in the round of 16 for their quarter finals qualification, well, lets just hope that they (Egypt) prepare very well for this match and that the god of football will be on their side, because as much as we try to be optimistic to encourage the team, Argentina won't be easy to beat, they are the defending champions, it's very possible luck has been part of Cape unrelized success in their match against Argentina, but all the same, fingers crossed.

[Sithara007]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

[OsaiEmma]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

Honestly that's really a tough luck. How on earth where they both set to face the two strongest team in the world right now; this isn't looking good at all. Anyways, I hope they do there best; even if they'll be knocked out, I just hope they put up a good fight until the very end.

But Morocco's performance yesterday was superb. They did tremendously well, it was a delight to watch; kudos to them on reaching the quarter finals.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

Morocco performed quite well in  yesterday's match and defeated Canada 3-0. Their match strategy was very good. They managed to take a total of 5  shots, out of which  they managed to score  3 goals. But it is unfortunate for Morocco that they will face France in the  quarter finals. France is a very strong team. And hot favorite for this world cup. The quarter finals will probably end Morocco's world cup journey.

On the other hand, Egypt will play argentina in the round of 16 . Argentina is the current world champion team. And the team is playing great in this World Cup. If egypt can perform well, the match will be  exciting. But if Egypt's defense is  weak, Argentina will dominate  the match and win.

[Crytohillss]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

Morocco performed quite well in  yesterday's match and defeated Canada 3-0. Their match strategy was very good. They managed to take a total of 5  shots, out of which  they managed to score  3 goals. But it is unfortunate for Morocco that they will face France in the  quarter finals. France is a very strong team. And hot favorite for this world cup. The quarter finals will probably end Morocco's world cup journey.

On the other hand, Egypt will play argentina in the round of 16 . Argentina is the current world champion team. And the team is playing great in this World Cup. If egypt can perform well, the match will be  exciting. But if Egypt's defense is  weak, Argentina will dominate  the match and win.

Morocco has been on the biggest surprises of the FIFA World cup tournament, they deserve credit for how organised they have be France will be a tough challenge but football is of suprise as for Egypt they will need a near perfect performance to compete with Argentina Morocco has already exceeded so many expectations Even if France are favourite any thing Can still happen over 90minutes

[longyenthanh]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

You are spot on with this analysis. Morocco and Egypt definitely have a mountain to climb against France and Argentina. It’s true that Morocco hasn't found that magical 2022 form again, making their path even tougher. However, if this tournament has taught us anything, it's that we should always expect the unexpected. This year has been absolutely packed with surprises, and knockout football is known to be unpredictable. Honestly, these two matchups are exactly where the biggest potential for a massive surprise lies. It’s going to make for some incredibly exciting viewing!

[Marvelockg]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

This is the point where we sit to accept the fact that going beyond this point takes a lot of mental work considering that with what we have now, our chances of advancing beyond this point is actually slim. France and Argentina is definitely a very hard knot to crack for us but we just have to keep believing and keep being positive that we can take something away from both game. if we get a win in both games, that will be extremely crazy but fact is that it is still very possible. morocco seams to be the better of the two African teams that have advanced so far but pairing them against France makes it even more difficult. Egypt Argentina on paper looks hard for Egypt but it is easier than playing against France.

[Fakhrulenclix]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

This is the point where we sit to accept the fact that going beyond this point takes a lot of mental work considering that with what we have now, our chances of advancing beyond this point is actually slim. France and Argentina is definitely a very hard knot to crack for us but we just have to keep believing and keep being positive that we can take something away from both game. if we get a win in both games, that will be extremely crazy but fact is that it is still very possible. morocco seams to be the better of the two African teams that have advanced so far but pairing them against France makes it even more difficult. Egypt Argentina on paper looks hard for Egypt but it is easier than playing against France.

Honestly, I doubt that the two African teams can get past France and Argentina, because realistically, France and Argentina are quite strong this season, while the African teams have not been able to compete with the strength of these teams, while several other African teams that have been eliminated have actually shown impressive performances and I even see that the African teams have shown a lot of surprises, but there are several teams from Africa who are also unlucky because they have to be eliminated because they conceded goals in the final minutes of the match, that is very unfortunate.

[Fiatless]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

The remaining African sides are meeting the real contenders of this trophy. I have confidence in the capacity of Morocco because they have shown quality and class in this competition. So the game against France will be a battle.

My concern is Egypt beating Argentina. I was not impressed with Egypts performace with an average Australian side. They might find it difficult to survive the pressure of the Argentoine except they improve.

[MorganaX]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

You are spot on with this analysis. Morocco and Egypt definitely have a mountain to climb against France and Argentina. It’s true that Morocco hasn't found that magical 2022 form again, making their path even tougher. However, if this tournament has taught us anything, it's that we should always expect the unexpected. This year has been absolutely packed with surprises, and knockout football is known to be unpredictable. Honestly, these two matchups are exactly where the biggest potential for a massive surprise lies. It’s going to make for some incredibly exciting viewing!

If morroco were to face any other team in this competition than this French side then I would have given them the chance of winning it but this French team just seems unreal but again it's football and anything and everything is possible, I think morroco will be even more tensed to face off France because of the last visit as France was the team that eliminated them last time.

[Zaguru12]

Morocco has been on the biggest surprises of the FIFA World cup tournament, they deserve credit for how organised they have be France will be a tough challenge but football is of suprise as for Egypt they will need a near perfect performance to compete with Argentina Morocco has already exceeded so many expectations Even if France are favourite any thing Can still happen over 90minutes

Morocco been the biggest surprise of this tournament? No they aren’t because to me they have earned that status, they are currently 6th in the World Cup ranking and I think the nations they have played in this tournament until now they are better place in the ranking than them all so they have won remotely all the games they were supposed to win based on paper. I think people still underrate Morocco because they are Africans if not we shouldn’t be calling a nation that actually went to the last World Cup semi final and also went to the finals of their last continental tournament a big surprise for just reaching the quarterfinals at the moment, that’s like calling England team reaching this level a surprise.

I think we can call the Morocco team a bit surprise if only they get to the finals or semi finals by defeating France which is currently one of the top three best nations in world football. This is when would all be surprised by their performance but for the time being now I am actually going to say they are playing just base on the expectations we expect from them.

[Charles-Tim]

If morroco were to face any other team in this competition than this French side then I would have given them the chance of winning it but this French team just seems unreal but again it's football and anything and everything is possible, I think morroco will be even more tensed to face off France because of the last visit as France was the team that eliminated them last time.

There is nothing impossible, although France has the highest chance of winning, but I do not know why you people are saying it like they are the number one. I have seen Portugal also performed well. If Morocco can win France, it is possible that the team might get to final, but I do not think that would happen.

The remaining African sides are meeting the real contenders of this trophy. I have confidence in the capacity of Morocco because they have shown quality and class in this competition. So the game against France will be a battle.

My concern is Egypt beating Argentina. I was not impressed with Egypts performace with an average Australian side. They might find it difficult to survive the pressure of the Argentoine except they improve.

Canada is not also a big deal like that if compared to Canada. Penalties saved Morocco against Netherlands.

[POPOLUV]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

Morocco performed quite well in  yesterday's match and defeated Canada 3-0. Their match strategy was very good. They managed to take a total of 5  shots, out of which  they managed to score  3 goals. But it is unfortunate for Morocco that they will face France in the  quarter finals. France is a very strong team. And hot favorite for this world cup. The quarter finals will probably end Morocco's world cup journey.

On the other hand, Egypt will play argentina in the round of 16 . Argentina is the current world champion team. And the team is playing great in this World Cup. If egypt can perform well, the match will be  exciting. But if Egypt's defense is  weak, Argentina will dominate  the match and win.

To be honest with you, who could that Morocco will beat Canada 3:0 without reply, it was a crucial wining by Morocco team yesterday and with the way Morocco is really coming up in this FIFA world cup tournament is so amazing, I believe that their winning yesterday has qualified the team to quarter final of the FIFA world cup tournament to be playing with France, it is quickly obvious that France team is also a tough team but anything can happen in the game of soccer, so the best among the teams will surely win on the 9th being Thursday.

I'm proud of the two African teams that has made it to round 16, so I'm not afraid Egypt playing against Argentina because Argentina is that 100 percent good in this FIFA world cup tournament, so what Egypt need to do to grab this winning from Argentina, is to be confident of themselves that they can do it and also make their defense very strong and hard for Argentina to penetrate in the 18 cut yard or box.

[LUCKMCFLY]

The Egypt and Australia match yesterday was a very disappointing moment for the African team against the next round as expected we hope so much in Egypt to be one of the driving team for Africa this next round, although the match was a draw 1:1 which to some extent we can still mark is as good for Africa even though no point was added, Ghana lost 1 zero to Colombia today another Africa team just got knocked out of the world cup.

Egypt undoubtedly brings joy to an entire nation. The downside is that they're facing a rival like Argentina, but then again, Cape Verde almost beat them and they don't have the same pedigree as the Pharaohs. To be honest, I'd love for the Pharaohs to beat Argentina. So, given this, things are really worth watching now. Anything can happen; we're not talking about surprises anymore, we're talking about merit, about goals.

[OsaiEmma]

The Egypt and Australia match yesterday was a very disappointing moment for the African team against the next round as expected we hope so much in Egypt to be one of the driving team for Africa this next round, although the match was a draw 1:1 which to some extent we can still mark is as good for Africa even though no point was added, Ghana lost 1 zero to Colombia today another Africa team just got knocked out of the world cup.

Egypt undoubtedly brings joy to an entire nation. The downside is that they're facing a rival like Argentina, but then again, Cape Verde almost beat them and they don't have the same pedigree as the Pharaohs. To be honest, I'd love for the Pharaohs to beat Argentina. So, given this, things are really worth watching now. Anything can happen; we're not talking about surprises anymore, we're talking about merit, about goals.

Cape Verde's goalie was phenomenal in that game. Sometimes, we just need a phenomenal player to change the trajectory of the game. Anyways, I doubt if Morocco and Egypt can surpass their next opponent respectively; those two teams they're about to face are the elite of elites in football right now, winning them will be a tough pill to swallow; but if they do, that'll be a historical feat.

[Daniel91]

The Egypt and Australia match yesterday was a very disappointing moment for the African team against the next round as expected we hope so much in Egypt to be one of the driving team for Africa this next round, although the match was a draw 1:1 which to some extent we can still mark is as good for Africa even though no point was added, Ghana lost 1 zero to Colombia today another Africa team just got knocked out of the world cup.

Egypt undoubtedly brings joy to an entire nation. The downside is that they're facing a rival like Argentina, but then again, Cape Verde almost beat them and they don't have the same pedigree as the Pharaohs. To be honest, I'd love for the Pharaohs to beat Argentina. So, given this, things are really worth watching now. Anything can happen; we're not talking about surprises anymore, we're talking about merit, about goals.

Cape Verde's goalie was phenomenal in that game. Sometimes, we just need a phenomenal player to change the trajectory of the game. Anyways, I doubt if Morocco and Egypt can surpass their next opponent respectively; those two teams they're about to face are the elite of elites in football right now, winning them will be a tough pill to swallow; but if they do, that'll be a historical feat.

Morocco reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup and managed to knock out big teams like Spain and Portugal, and they also gave France a hard time. At this World Cup they are playing very well again, with a solid defense and an efficient attack, and somehow I believe in their team more that they could surprise and knock out France than I think Egypt can surprise Argentina.
I think the day is not far when we will see an African team in the World Cup final. If a small country like Croatia could play in the 2018 final, so can an African team, why not?

[Mpamaegbu]

Till tomorrow, I don't see football like that. It's an open contest of 11 men each. Anyone can win a match. If capo Verde can give Argentina the tough match they played, taking the match to extra time shows every team is volatile.

Yeah, Cape Verde were outstanding in their games all through the tournament. Nobody, including me, rated them to put up such astonishing performances. The match with Argentina would've caused Messi and his compatriots heartache and high blood rush. In my opinion, Messi should publicly acknowledge that game as the toughest the Argentines have had so far at this 2026 World Cup. It may even be the toughest for them all through. He should equally praise the goalkeeper.

I don't see any team less at any level no matter who they are playing...

I share this mindset too. I don't believe there are minors in football. It doesn't exist anymore or even the famed "home advantage" is long dead and buried.

[SatoPrincess]

Cape Verde's goalie was phenomenal in that game. Sometimes, we just need a phenomenal player to change the trajectory of the game. Anyways, I doubt if Morocco and Egypt can surpass their next opponent respectively; those two teams they're about to face are the elite of elites in football right now, winning them will be a tough pill to swallow; but if they do, that'll be a historical feat.

Cape Verde is a beautiful World Cup story. Too bad the goalie is old, he would have been scouted by top English and Spanish teams. Also the second goal from Cape Verde was spectacular and in my opinion, that could as well be the goal of the tournament, the finish was impeccable. I didn’t even think it was going to go in, I thought he was going for a cross and I guess the goalie was thinking the same

Morocco vs France is a tough one. Mbappe has been in two World Cup finals, Dembele is a ballon d’Or winner….I don’t see anyone in the Morocco squad with that kind of experience and accolades. What they lack in “individual success”, they make up for it in heart and skill.

[KTChampions]

~ I started to have a strong feeling like soccer in Europe is facing miserable problems with African countries dominating along with South American countries.
 
What are your thoughts on this?

This is from this thread Is European soccer on decline? Many big names facing elimination in early rounds
but unfortunately it was closed.
But we can continue the discussion here, so, in addition to the destruction of African teams that the Europeans arranged, today the Brazilians and Mexico (the host of the tournament hehe with excellent results) were also destroyed. Is this decline in European football still in the same room with us? 
It is noteworthy that Brazil was beaten by a mediocre European team, which has practically no historical victories, and Mexico was unable to win in the majority.

[tiCeR]

Two African teams remain as of now, but the prospects doesn't look great. Morocco has advanced to PQF stage, thanks to goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi. But in the Quarterfinals, they will be facing France. Egypt on the other hand, managed to defeat Australia in Round of 32, but in PQF stage, they need to face Argentina. So the two remaining African teams are scheduled to face two of the strongest teams in this tournament. I am not saying that an upset or two is not impossible. But the chances are low. Morocco doesn't look as strong as they were in 2022.

Morocco performed quite well in  yesterday's match and defeated Canada 3-0. Their match strategy was very good. They managed to take a total of 5  shots, out of which  they managed to score  3 goals. But it is unfortunate for Morocco that they will face France in the  quarter finals. France is a very strong team. And hot favorite for this world cup. The quarter finals will probably end Morocco's world cup journey.

On the other hand, Egypt will play argentina in the round of 16 . Argentina is the current world champion team. And the team is playing great in this World Cup. If egypt can perform well, the match will be  exciting. But if Egypt's defense is  weak, Argentina will dominate  the match and win.

Obviously the chances aren't that great for Morocco, but when you think back you may remember that Morocco did very well against Spain and Portugal in 2022 in Qatar. Nobody really thought they could beat Spain and yet they did. Paraguay vs. France was only one goal and if Morocco comes with a strong defense in that match, I would not write them off just yet. Beating France in regular time is hard, but if they are running out of time and Morocco can get into overtime, maybe a miracle is possible. I think it has to do with how much Morocco has been underestimated for a long time. I don't think France will destroy them scoring three goals. It will be close and then as always, Morocco has to use their few chances they will have. In my opinion they would be the stronger opponent France so far had at this World Cup as they have good stamina and are very well able to go 120 minutes.

All these matchups like Argentina vs. Cape Verde were said to be one sided, but they were not. I don't think that a whole lot of people bet on Cape Verde making it into overtime against Argentina. If I had to guess, I think Morocco's chances against France are much bigger than Cape Verde's chances were against Argentina.