World Cup 2026 African teams review: Morocco, Egypt, and Senegal break historic records

29.06.26 AP World Cup

Netherlands

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Morocco

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By June 2026, African nations reshaped the World Cup landscape across North America shattering massive historical records.

A Historic continental shift

The defining narrative of the tournament up to this point is not a single match but a massive collective triumph. The expanded 48 team format allowed ten African squads to enter the fray, a steep rise from the previous record of 6 in 2010.

However, merely participating was never the objective. The qualification rate reached 90%, far exceeding the 2014 edition in which only two teams qualified for the knockout stages.

Senegalese firepower

While the collective success is staggering, individual brilliance has dominated the daily headlines. Senegal delivered a ruthless attacking masterclass dismantling Iraq in a 5-0 thrashing.

This result stands as the largest margin of victory by any African nation in the competition's long history. The Lions of Teranga are the first African squad to ever score 5 goal in a single World Cup fixture, firmly establishing their lethal intent in the final third.

Breaking generational curses

Several nations utilized this expanded tournament to rewrite their own troubled histories. Egypt finally secured their first-ever World Cup victory by defeating New Zealand 3-1, with FIFA officially recognizing Mohamed Salah's decisive impact.

Meanwhile debutants Cape Verde pulled off a miraculous progression. They became the first side since Chile in 1998 to advance without winning a single group game relying entirely on three resilient draws.

In another development, DR Congo qualified for the knockout stages after their first ever victory in the tournament, a historic achievement considering their last appearance was in 1974 under the Zaire flag. Teams like South Africa & Ivory Coast also successfully advanced from the group stage to secure their first-ever knockout rounds.

The Atlas Lions march on

Carrying the immense pressure of their magical 2022 semi final run, Morocco continues to thrive against elite European opposition.

Following an unbeaten group stage, they engaged in a grueling Round of 32 clash against the Netherlands. A thrilling 1-1 draw that ultimately went to penalties. Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero once again saving a crucial spot kick from Xavi Simons to pave the way for a 3-2 shootout victory cementing Morocco's place in the Round of 16.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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