Can Sub-Saharan Africa Compete with Northern Neighbors in World Cup 2026?

Morocco’s Success Sparks Hope for Sub-Saharan Teams at 2026 World Cup

In 2022, Morocco became the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, marking a significant milestone for the continent. This achievement was followed by quarterfinal appearances from Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana, further increasing Africa’s presence in the tournament.

Historically, North African teams have dominated African success at both the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt has won the AFCON seven times, while Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria have consistently qualified for the World Cup finals.

For the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11, sub-Saharan nations are looking to make a statement. Senegal is predicted to be eliminated at the quarterfinal stage, despite having a strong squad with players such as Sadio Mane, Pape Gueye, and Edouard Mendy. The team’s coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has expressed confidence in their abilities, stating that he will step down if his belief in winning the World Cup is shaken.

Ghana, which has only missed one World Cup since its 2006 debut, faces a challenging group stage. With a new coach, Carlos Queiroz, at the helm, Ghana aims to progress from Group L, which includes Panama, England, and Croatia. Despite this daunting task, Ghana’s squad is led by Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to drive the team forward.

The 2026 World Cup promises to be an exciting tournament for African teams, with many hoping to follow in Morocco’s footsteps and make a lasting impact on the competition.

Source: Al Jazeera