2026 World Cup: A promising start for African teams

16.06.26 FT World Cup

France

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Senegal

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Six African national teams have already kicked off their campaigns in the World Cup, and the results so far are broadly encouraging.

Indeed, the African sides have collected 6 points from their first 6 matches in the tournament, marking their best start to a World Cup edition since 2002. Back then, during the event held in South Korea and Japan, African teams also secured 6 points from their opening six fixtures.

Mixed fortunes for African teams

South Africa was the first African team to enter the fray, but their campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening match, a game marred by two red cards.

World Cup 2026: The official and complete group stage schedule

Next up, Morocco held their own against Brazil with a 1-1 draw, thanks to a goal from Ismail Saibari, underlining their status as favorites to qualify from Group C.

The only African victory so far came courtesy of Ivory Coast, who edged out Ecuador 1-0 with a late strike from Amad Diallo.

Tunisia, the big disappointment

The Carthage Eagles were the dark spot in the African teams' opening matches, suffering a heavy defeat to Sweden. Sabri Lamouchi's men were humiliated 5-1 in a drubbing between Sunday and Monday night.

Cape Verde caused a stir in their tournament debut, holding 2010 World Champions Spain to a goalless draw.

Egypt also secured a point against Belgium with a 1-1 draw. Mohamed Hany scored an own goal to level the match for the Red Devils after Emam Ashour had put Egypt ahead.

Four African teams yet to play

There are still four African nations set to make their tournament debuts in the coming days. Senegal is set to face France on Tuesday evening, Algeria will take on world champions Argentina overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, DR Congo will be up against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, and Ghana will have a manageable fixture against Panama.

Best African performances at the World Cup

Morocco achieved the best-ever run by an African team at a World Cup, reaching the semi-finals at Qatar 2022. Under the guidance of Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions claimed the scalps of several heavyweights—including Belgium, Spain, and Portugal—before falling to France and finishing fourth after a loss to Croatia.

Three other nations have reached the quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010. The Indomitable Lions ousted Argentina and Colombia but lost to England in the quarter-finals.

Senegal caused a sensation in 2002 by knocking out defending champions France in the group stage, but their run ended against Turkey. Finally, Ghana was eliminated on penalties by Uruguay in 2010 after the infamous Luis Suarez handball, which denied Ghana a last-minute winning goal. Asamoah Gyan missed the ensuing penalty, and the Black Stars suffered a cruel exit in the shootout.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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