World Cup 2026: Africa's new era takes shape
From Cape Verde's debut to DR Congo's return, Africa's expanded presence at the 2026 World Cup brings new stories and renewed expectations of success. The
From Cape Verde's debut to DR Congo's return, Africa's expanded presence at the 2026 World Cup brings new stories and renewed expectations of success. The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a turning point for African football. With the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams, the African continent is enjoying unprecedented representation on soccer's biggest stage. Ten African nations qualified for this year's World Cup: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde. In last week's opening match against Mexico — one of three host nations alongside the United States and Canada — South Africa faced a huge challenge in front of one of the tournament's loudest crowds. Though Mexico secured a 2–0 victory, Bafana Bafana, the nickname of South Africa's national football team, meaning "The Boys" in isiZulu, worked hard to move beyond their 2010 World Cup legacy. The 2010 tournament in South Africa — the first World Cup hosted on the African continent — remains historic, despite the country becoming the first host nation to exit in the group stage. Not all Africans rallied behind South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opening match last Thursday, though. Many backed Mexico amid lingering resentment over recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Why Africans are turning against Bafana Bafana To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Cote d'Ivoire coach Emerse Fae said, "We came here with ambitions, with high hopes," after the Elephants' dramatic 1–0 win over Ecuador. Striker Sebastien Haller, one of the most important figures in the Elephants' squad who's known for his strength, aerial ability and finishing, played a key role in Cote d'Ivoire's triumph in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco has transformed from outsiders into genuine contenders after their historic 2022 semi-final run. With players like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, the Atlas Lions made a statement in their first 2026 World Cup match against Brazil on Saturday, earning a 1–1 draw. And Ghana, yet to play their first match against Panama, hopes a new generation around midfielder Mohammed Kudus can restore the Black Stars' reputation. Drama in Tunisia first match Further opening matches brought more drama: Egypt drew 1–1 with Belgium, with all eyes once again on forward and team captain Mohamed Salah. Tunisia suffered a difficult start, losing 5–1 to Sweden. "This is football, and results decide everything," said Sabri Lamouchi, Tunisia's head coach, after the match. The defeat led to his immediate dismissal, making him the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after only one match. Tunisia fired coach Sabri Lamouchi after the team was routed 5-1 by Sweden in its opening game on Sunday Image: Daniel Becerril/REUTERS Meanwhile, Cape Verde delivered what many soccer fans describe as one of the tournament's highlights when veteran goalkeeper Vozinha stopped European champions Spain, even though an expensive travel bond stopped his mother from attending. "All of us, we are happy because we work a lot to be here. We deserve to be here," said Vozinha. In the hours following the match, his Instagram following skyrocketed from 50,000 to over 6 million. France vs. Senegal: the Francophone derby Tuesday's heated clash between France and Senegal, which France won 3–1, carried a deeper historical meaning: Senegal was a French colony until gaining independence in 1960, and the relationship between the two countries remains complex. The France-Senegal relationship is connected through language, education, trade and migration, but also shaped by the legacy of colonialism and the struggle for independence.
The BriefWire