Out of the record-breaking 48 teams at the 2026 World Cup, 10 of them are flying Africa’s flags.
Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Algeria, Cape Verde, Tunisia, South Africa, Egypt, DR Congo and Cote d’Ivoire will be looking to make the continent proud at the tournament.
“Off the pitch, if there were a fashion/arrival trophy, Africa already won that thanks to Congo and others bringing in the heat,” Victor Oluwafemi, the Senior Social Media Manager at Sporty TV.
“On the pitch, I don’t think we can equal the feat of 2022 because of the immense quality of football and competition that awaits.
“Yes, the numbers increased from five to ten. Yet, a large percentage of them might just make the numbers.
“South Africa already gave us a tip of the iceberg of what to expect from Africa. My bet is on Morocco and Senegal to reach the Round of 16.”
South Africa finished their opening game with nine men, as they lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico.
On the other hand, Morocco gave a good account of themselves, and Brazil needed a piece of Vinicius Jr magic to earn Selecao a 1-1 draw.
It was Amad Diallo, who eventually brought Africa it’s first win at the World Cup, scoring the winner in the 90th minute, as Cote d’Ivoire edged a 1-0 win over Ecuador in the early hours of Monday.
After that, Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1.
Later on Monday, European champions Spain take on debutants Cape Verde, and Belgium face seven-time AFCON champions, Egypt.
“The Atlas Lions delivered excellently despite a 1-1 draw,” Oluwafemi said.
“Although Mohamed Ouahbwe spent less than 120 days with the team, we knew they were no pushovers or timid when it comes to the biggest stage of football.
“They proved that a 4th place finish at the 2022 World Cup was no fluke.
“They dominated Brazil in the first 45 and even created more chances. Maybe if they had a potent no.9, results could have gone their way.
“It is not everyday you get a team that snatched possession and turned Brazil to a low block side. They once again hold Africa’s brightest chance of progressing from the group stages.
“South Africa were simply overwhelmed on the night, there was no clear plan or direction against Mexico.
“They made the Mexicans look super and unstoppable.
“Yes, there were little sparks but it didn’t just cut it. For a team that went above and beyond against Nigeria during the qualifying phase, we expected more.
“Sometimes, I feel we were expecting more from them because of the quality of their league and teams on the continent. The only consolation is their goalkeeper, he is the reason why the 2-0 scoreline flatters them.”
So, which African teams will at least qualify from their groups?
Oluwafemi said: “I think I would add CIV and maybe Ghana to Morocco and Senegal getting out of the groups.
“Since their debut in 2006, Ghana are yet to have a bad World Cup performance going by Africa’s standard, they are the definition of a World Cup team and they have a well mixed of veterans and fresh legs. A win against Panama and a draw against Croatia can push them further.
“Senegal are in the group of death but can squeeze in via the third best losers.”