2026 World Cup: which team finished as Africa's best defense in the tournament?

Despite being knocked out in the round of 16, Ghana finishes the 2026 World Cup with the best African defense, ahead of Ivory Coast and South Africa.

After ranking the top scorers, playmakers, dribblers, and best attacks, it's now time to review the defensive performances of African teams at this 2026 World Cup. In this regard, Ghana stands out, conceding only three goals in four matches.

Read also: 2026 World Cup: which team finished as Africa's best attack in the tournament?

Behind the Black Stars, Ivory Coast and South Africa complete the podium, each conceding four goals. Morocco follows with six goals allowed in six matches, averaging one goal conceded per game. On the other hand, both Algeria and Senegal let in nine goals apiece, while Tunisia sits at the bottom with twelve goals conceded in just three matches.

Here is the ranking of African defenses, from the most solid to the most fragile:

1. Ghana – 3 goals conceded (4 matches)
2. Ivory Coast – 4 goals conceded (4 matches)
3. South Africa – 4 goals conceded (4 matches)
4. DR Congo – 5 goals conceded (4 matches)
5. Cape Verde – 5 goals conceded (4 matches)
6. Morocco – 6 goals conceded (6 matches)
7. Egypt – 7 goals conceded (5 matches)
8. Algeria – 9 goals conceded (4 matches)
9. Senegal – 9 goals conceded (4 matches)
10. Tunisia – 12 goals conceded (3 matches)

It's worth noting that Morocco boasts the best ratio among teams that reached the quarter-finals, allowing just one goal per match. Algeria and Senegal, both with nine goals conceded in four games, finished with an average of 2.25 goals conceded per match.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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