World Cup 2026: Africa's performance in the tournament

09.07.26 FT World Cup

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With Morocco knocked out by France (0-2) in the quarter-finals, Africa no longer has any teams left in the World Cup. It's time to look back and assess the continent's campaign.

Tunisia, the biggest disappointment

Nine out of ten African teams qualified for the round of 32. Only Tunisia missed out. They finished bottom of Group F with zero points, conceding 12 goals and scoring only 2.

The Carthage Eagles started the tournament under Sabri Lamouchi, suffering a heavy defeat to Sweden (1-5), and finished it with Hervé Renard, who lost both games against Japan (0-4) and the Netherlands (1-3). A campaign to forget.

Africa could have done better

Of the nine teams that reached the round of 32, seven bowed out, most leaving with a sense of regret as there was a feeling they could have done more. Lack of experience played a major role in the elimination of the continent's representatives.

Senegal squandered a two-goal lead and were knocked out by Belgium (3-2 after extra time). DR Congo also saw their hopes dashed by England (1-2) after a strong performance. A late Harry Kane brace sealed the Leopards' fate.

Ivory Coast had what it took to get past Norway, but Erling Haaland had other ideas, clinching victory for his side (1-2). South Africa lost to co-hosts Canada with a goal in stoppage time.

Ghana also played well against Colombia but ended up losing (0-1), while Algeria failed to shine against Switzerland (0-2).

Top marks for Cape Verde

On their World Cup debut, Cape Verde made history. After eliminating Uruguay in the group stage with three draws, including a goalless one against Spain (0-0), the Blue Sharks nearly sent defending champions Argentina packing.

Lionel Messi and his teammates had to dig deep to win (3-2 after extra time) and save their campaign after a heroic display from the Cape Verdeans.

Egypt close to a miracle

After knocking out Australia on penalties (1-1, 4-2 on pens), the Pharaohs faced a huge test against Argentina. Mohamed Salah and his teammates produced a stellar display, leading by two goals before being overturned at the death (2-3). Hossam Hassan did not hide his frustration over François Letexier's refereeing in this match.

Morocco bows out with honor

Morocco delivered Africa's best run at this 2026 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals. The Atlas Lions held Brazil to a draw (1-1) and beat Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2) to advance to the knockout stage.

Achraf Hakimi and his teammates then knocked out the Netherlands (1-1, 3-2 on penalties) and Canada (2-0), but fell to an unstoppable French side in the quarter-finals. Semi-finalists in 2022, they once again leave with heads held high after a remarkable campaign that made the entire continent proud.

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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