The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set, laying the groundwork for intense competition in football’s biggest tournament. Nine African nations have already secured qualifications and will be eager to make a mark on the global stage. Each team faces unique challenges in their respective groups, with tough opponents and high expectations.

Daily Trust previews the hurdles these African countries must overcome if they are to progress beyond the group stage and make a deeper impact in the competition.

South Africa (Group A)

South Africa was drawn into Group A alongside Mexico (FIFA ranking: 14) and South Korea (FIFA ranking: 28). Their last group opponent would be known later. South Africa’s last World Cup appearance was in 2010, when they hosted the tournament. Since then, Bafana Bafana missed the next three editions, marking a 16-year gap before their return.

Their qualification was hard-fought. South Africa recorded five wins, three draws, and two defeats, finishing first in their qualifying group, which included continental heavyweight Nigeria and emerging powerhouse Benin Republic. The team’s return was celebrated as a triumphant milestone.

With a FIFA ranking of 50, South Africa enters as underdogs in the group but with a resilient squad eager to prove themselves.

However, the 2026 squad blends experience and youthful energy, with key players like Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, and Ronwen Williams pivotal to their success.

Historically, South Africa and Mexico have met only twice in competitive fixtures, with Mexico winning both matches. Their most recent encounter was in a friendly in 2019, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Mexico.

South Africa and South Korea have met a few times, most notably in friendlies. South Korea generally has the upper hand, given their greater World Cup experience, having qualified for every World Cup since 1986 except 2022.

Morocco (Group C)

Morocco stands out as one of Africa’s strongest contenders in the World Cup. Ranked 13th globally, they have a solid reputation, having qualified for their eighth World Cup in 2026.

Their historic run to the 2022 semi-finals was a breakthrough for African football, making them the first African team to reach that stage. This success, combined with a highly experienced and talented squad, makes Morocco one of the most likely African teams to advance past the group stage and potentially go deep into the knockout rounds.

Morocco will rely on stars such as Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Brahim Díaz, Sofyan Amrabat, Nayef Aguerd, Youssef En-Nesyri, Noussair Mazraoui, and Hakim Ziyech. They were drawn into Group C, where they face Brazil ranked 1 in the world, Scotland (35), and Haiti (80).

Morocco and Brazil met in the 1998 World Cup group stage, with Brazil winning 3–0. However, Morocco claimed a surprise 2–1 friendly victory in 2023, their first-ever win against Brazil. Historically, Brazil holds the upper hand, but Morocco’s recent success shows they can compete.

Morocco defeated Scotland 3–0 in the 1998 World Cup group stage, giving them confidence going into 2026.

Morocco and Haiti have never met. As newcomers, Haiti would be considered underdogs, but World Cup surprises are always possible.

Ivory Coast (Group E)

After eight years of silence, the ‘Elephants’ regained their voice and strength, roaring to the 2026 World Cup.

The last time they appeared at the global showpiece was in 2014 in Brazil where they boasted of firepower enriched in experience; with Yaya Touré, Didier Drogba, Gervinho, Salomon Kalou and Wilfried Bony.

Ranked 42nd in the world, Elephants were handed a group that many believe is not a group of death. Ivory Coast will battle Germany ranked 9th, Ecuador (23) Curaçao (86) in Group E.

No World Cup match is easy. However, the Elephants are forming a new shape with the wave of new and old stars led by the legendary Franck Kessié, Amad Diallo, Odilon Kossounou, Evann Guessand, Sébastien Haller, and Simon Adingra.

They had an impressive outing, winning 8, drawing 2, with no loss in the 10 matches played. They scored 25 goals and conceded none.

Tunisia (Group F)

Tunisia qualified convincingly for their seventh World Cup appearance, topping Group H with 28 points, 13 points clear of Namibia who finished in second place. Remarkably, they completed qualification without conceding a single goal — a rare defensive feat.

They were placed in Group F, facing the Netherlands, Japan, and a yet-to-be-decided European playoff winner. This group poses a mixed but tough challenge.

Head-to-head statistics showed that Tunisia and the Netherlands have only met in friendlies, with a 1–1 draw in 2009. Against Japan, Tunisia lost 0-2 in the 2002 World Cup group stage.

Despite multiple World Cup appearances, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia have never advanced beyond the group stage, and their 2026 group presents a significant hurdle to breaking this jinx.

Egypt (Group G)

Egypt secured direct qualification by topping their CAF qualifying Group A. After missing out in 2022, Egypt return with strong momentum and motivation.

Drawn into Group G, Egypt ranked 34, will face Belgium (8), Iran (20), and New Zealand (86).

Egypt and Belgium have met four times in friendlies, with Egypt winning three and losing one. Egypt and Iran have played twice, resulting in one draw and one loss for Egypt.

Egypt holds a strong record against New Zealand, winning two and drawing once in three matches. This is Egypt’s most favourable fixture in the group and a key opportunity to secure early points.

Key players for Egypt include Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Elneny, Mostafa Mohamed, and Ibrahim Adel, who will be vital to their World Cup campaign.

Cape Verde (Group H)

Cape Verde qualified for their first-ever World Cup by topping Group D, finishing ahead of continental heavyweight Cameroon.

They are the second-smallest nation by population to qualify for a men’s World Cup.

Placed in Group H, Cape Verde face traditional powerhouses Spain and Uruguay, along with a motivated Saudi Arabia side. This is no doubt a very tough group for a debutant nation.

Cape Verde has no prior competitive head-to-head history with any of their opponents, entering as underdogs but with pride and momentum.

Senegal (Group I)

Senegal are in Group I alongside France, Norway, and a yet-to-be-determined playoff winner. They face a top European powerhouse in France, a competitive side in Norway, and an unknown opponent, making the group challenging but not impossible.

Senegal’s historic upset against France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup (1–0) boosts their confidence. They also defeated Norway 2–1 in a friendly in 2006.

Senegal will bank on the immense talent of players like Sadio Mane, Ismaïla Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy, Pape Matar Sarr, Idrissa Gueye, and emerging star, Lamine Camara.

Ranked 19th in the world, the Teranga Lions of Senegal will also draw inspiration from their latest victory over the Three Lions of England in an international friendly in Nottingham on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Algeria (Group J)

Algeria returned to the World Cup after a 12-year absence. Their last appearance was in 2014, when they pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time before losing 2-1 in the Round of 16.

Algeria topped Group C during the CAF qualifiers with eight wins, one draw, and one loss, finishing ahead of Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana, and Somalia, qualifying for their fifth World Cup.

They were drawn into Group J with Argentina, Austria, and Jordan, posing a tough challenge as their FIFA ranking (35th) placed them third lowest in the group.

They will face an uphill task against Argentina ranked 2nd, and Austria ranked 24, but may get an easy way against Jordan who’re ranked lower (66th).

Previous encounters showed that Algeria played a friendly match against Argentina in 2017, which they 4-3.

They also suffered another defeat against Austria during the 1982 World Cup when they were beaten 2- in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Algeria defeated Jordan 1-0 on December 15, 2021, during the FIFA Arab Cup (a senior international tournament organized by FIFA).

Key players such as Riyad Mahrez, Ismaël Bennacer, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Mohamed Amoura, and Ramy Bensebaini were crucial in qualification, and would play key roles in the Foxes’ World Cup campaign.

Ghana (Group L)

Ghana qualified for their fifth consecutive World Cup, topping their AFCON qualifying group.

Ghana ranked 72nd were placed alongside England ranked 4th, Croatia ranked 10th, and Panama ranked 30th, placing them in a tough challenge in Group L.

Despite finishing at the group stage in 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars broke the ceiling finishing as a quarter-finalist after they lost 4-2 via penalties to Uruguay in 2010.

Previous records showed that Ghana played a 1-1 draw against England in a friendly match in 2011, while there is no record of previous encounters with Croatia and Panama.

Ghana’s star players are Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Jordan Ayew. These players blend youth, experience, creativity, leadership, and the zeal to drive forward the Black Stars. (Daily Trust)