The October international window has provided nations with the chance to secure their places in the 2026 World Cup, with several African countries already booking their spots on football’s grandest stage, while others continue to make significant progress towards World Cup qualification.
For years, African nations have often been viewed as mere participants – teams that simply fill out the numbers without posing a genuine threat on the world stage.
But with the recent growth, development, and global exposure of African players, this year’s tournament promises to be a real statement of intent – a chance for the continent to showcase its quality, ambition, and ability to compete with the very best.
A New Generation Changing the Narrative at the World Cup Qualifiers
In recent years, African football has experienced a remarkable transformation, driven by a new generation of elite players making their mark across Europe’s top leagues.
From Nigeria’s trio of Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi at Fulham, to Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen, Bayern Munich’s Nicolas Jackson, Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah – along with many others shining in Serie A and the Premier League – these stars have elevated African football to new global heights.
The success of these players abroad has not only raised the standard of individual excellence but also strengthened the collective belief that African teams can compete with the traditional powerhouses from Europe and South America. Many of these players bring invaluable experience, tactical awareness, and a winning mentality to their national teams.
It was no surprise that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was won by hosts Cote d’Ivoire as they were blessed with players of European pedigree across the pitch. It was a perfect example of just how far African football has come.
The tournament reflected the continent’s growing quality – a result of its players’ exposure and experience at the highest levels of the game. According to CAF president Patrice Motsepe, nearly two billion viewers tuned in globally, making it the most-watched AFCON in history.
The Key Ingredients: Exposure and Experience
Previous generations lacked the elite level of coaching needed to help them control and dominate matches. More often than not, they relied on individual brilliance to carry the team or played a one-dimensional “Burnley-esque” rigid style of football that opponents could easily exploit.
Today, African stars are exposed to high-level coaching, facilities, and competition week in and week out. This exposure has helped bridge the gap between African nations and their counterparts from other continents.
Moreover, the increasing number of African coaches with European experience – such as Walid Regragui with Morocco and Aliou Cisse with Senegal – has brought tactical sophistication and professionalism to national teams.
Morocco, which was the first African country to qualify, did so with seven straight wins in their qualifying group stage. While Senegal has also not lost a single game in nine.
These coaches understand both African football culture and the demands of the modern game, creating a balance that has produced strong, disciplined teams.
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African Teams Aiming to Surpass Their Best Finish at the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup qualifiers have already seen Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria secure their places at the 2026 tournament, with more African nations still in contention. These teams will aim to make the continent proud and go beyond Africa’s best-ever World Cup finish – which was the historic semifinal run by Morocco at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Before Morocco, the next best finish by an African nation is the quarter-final stage, which was reached by Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002), and Ghana (2010).
No Longer Just Making Up the Numbers
African nations are no longer travelling to the World Cup to simply participate – they are going to compete, to challenge, and to win.
With world-class players, experienced coaches, and a collective sense of purpose, the 2026 World Cup could mark a defining moment in African football history – a moment when the rest of the world finally recognises what the continent has always known: Africa is ready.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Matrix Images
Recording Date: 05.09.2024