Ten African Teams to Participate in 2026 FIFA World Cup for the First Time
For the first time in history, ten African teams will feature at the FIFA World Cup. This milestone comes with the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams in 2026, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nine African nations have already qualified directly after topping their groups in the CAF qualifiers: Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa. A tenth African team is expected to secure a place through the intercontinental playoff.
This is the highest number of African representatives ever at a single World Cup. Previously, the record was five teams (in 2014 and 2018). The increase gives the continent a much stronger presence and greater chance to shine on the global stage. Many fans across Africa are excited about the opportunity and hope the teams will perform well and go far in the competition.
