The 2026 FIFA World Cup is upon us, with USA, Mexico, and Canada set to host 48 nations in the expanded tournament. Perennial contenders are putting the final pieces of their preparations together for the biggest tournament in world football, and African heavyweights are not left out.

The continent has grown from single country representative to having ten nations already in North America for the current tournament. The black continent has reach the round of 16 11 times with six different countries, quarter finals four times, and Morocco was in the semi-final at Qatar 2022 World Cup. We rank the representing African nations based on how far they can go in the tournament.

Potential Winners: Senegal and Morocco

AFCON 2025 winners on the field (Senegal), and in the courtroom (Morocco), both nations are primed to take Africa to the next level. Morocco retains the core of its 2022 semi-final run and have added more exciting players, while Senegal continue to look so organized under coach Emerson Fae, and the Teranga Lions have a core of established players that have played at the highest level and feel no pressure, while pulling together younger players starring for their clubs. If Africa will break the ceiling, these two Lions are primed to lead the Savannah.

Quarter-finalists: Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Congo DR

This group also possess players plying their trade in some of the best clubs in Europe and elsewhere. Ivory Coast recently dazed France with a 2-1 win, Algeria shocked the Netherlands 1-0, and Egypt held Spain to a draw and suffered a narrow loss to Brazil. Congo DR also held Denmark, and what we have is a mix of nations ready to hold their own against some of the best sides in the world. Salah to lead the Pharaohs alongside Omar Marmoush, Ousmane DIomande and co. for Ivory Coast; Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, and the rest for the Black Stars. Riyad Mahrez will lead Algeria, while Congo DR has an array of naturalized Europe-based players to be led by the sturdy Chancel Mbemba. Africa could have multiple nations in the last-eight for the first time ever.

Tunisia, South Africa, Cape Verde for the experience

Tunisia and South Africa have previously played in six and three tournaments each, but they look unlikely to go past a ceiling of round of 32 if they manage to push past the group stage. They have been unimpressive in friendlies, with South Africa choosing closed camping. Cape Verde thrashed Serbia 3-0 recently and would have achieved more than their World Cup objective if their Portugal-based legion find their qualifiers’ rhythm. They will gain valuable experience in North America. (Daily Trust)

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