Africa

21, August 2026

Football: Djibouti federation accused of misusing funds ⁰

The tiny Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti is embroiled in a football corruption row after a government audit accused its federation, largely funded by FIFA, of favouritism and inadequate competitive bidding.

The recent success of Cape Verde — which reached the knockout stage of this year’s World Cup — has shown that tiny African nations can succeed with the right organisation.

So Djibouti footballers are furious at their federation over allegations it has misused money from the world football governing body, which provides the vast majority of its funding.

Funds provided by Saudi Arabia for a new headquarters for the Djibouti Football Federation are also said to have been misused.

One local club manager, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP his team would boycott this year’s league unless there was a change in leadership.

“The (Djibouti federation’s) resources are not used for the development of football,” he said.

“When I see what Cape Verde is capable of achieving… I tell myself there is a structural problem within our federation,” he added.

The allegations stem from a 2024 government inspector’s report, recently obtained by AFP, that accuse the federation of “favouritism” in awarding the contract for the headquarters, and overpricing for many elements of the contract.

FIFA, which along with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) provides more than $1 million a year to Djibouti’s federation, did not respond to queries from AFP.

A member of Djibouti’s federation, Mohamed Elmi Farah, resigned from its executive committee on August 12, expressing “concerns regarding the management and use of the federation’s resources”. He did not respond to questions from AFP.

Souleiman Hassan Waberi, the longtime head of the Djibouti Football Federation, told AFP it had been cleared of all wrong-doing by FIFA.

“FIFA has officially confirmed to us that, to date, its monitoring mechanisms have revealed no indication of wrongdoing regarding the funds it disbursed,” said Waberi, who also serves on the FIFA Council as a representative of CAF.

CAF is a major supporter of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, who has recently courted controversy with plans to open FIFA to private investors.

Waberi acknowledged “shortcomings regarding competitive bidding” in “certain operations”, but blamed the limited availability of many items in Djibouti, which has a population of just one million, and said procedures had since improved.

The government did not respond to AFP queries.

Djibouti, ruled by President Ismael Omar Guelleh since 1999, ranks 124th out of 182 countries on Transparency International’s corruption perception index.

Source: AFP

17, August 2026

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: enfin, we are champions ⁰

Cameroon, who failed to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations only to get a second chance, beat fairytale finalists Malawi 3-0 on Sunday to be crowned champions.

Marie Ngah scored twice and Naomi Eto once in the final in Rabat as the Indomitable Lionesses became queens of African football for the first time after finishing runners-up on three occasions.

Cameroon lost at home and away to Algeria in the final qualifying round, but the organisers later increased the number of teams for the tournament from 12 to 16.

The four highest ranked losers, led by Cameroon, were added for the two-yearly competition, which Morocco hosted for the third consecutive time.

It was a sad climax for Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, who had reached the title decider with the Chawinga sisters, captain Tabitha and Temwa, scoring nine goals between them.

Among those who saw Cameroon succeed after losing the 2004, 2014 and 2016 finals to Nigeria without scoring was embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

He was flanked by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe from South Africa and first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa.

The CAF leadership have backed Infantino, who is fighting to save his job after a barrage of criticism for his aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Debutants Malawi defied being the lowest ranked nation at the marquee African women’s football event to reach the final after beating defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Algeria.

The Scorchers started the final impressively, with the power and pace of the Chawingas creating several threatening situations.

But Malawi failed to score and, as the opening half progressed, so did the performance of Cameroon, who took a 20th-minute lead.

A cross was headed off Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo onto the crossbar and Ngah nodded the rebound into the net for her fourth goal of the tournament.

As they became increasingly adventurous, Cameroon doubled the lead on 29 minutes when Eto, with her back to goal, swivelled and struck the ball into the corner of the net.

Ngah netted again three minutes into added time at the end of the opening half, heading an Eto cross into the net.

After scoring twice in the opening half, Ngah should have completed a hat-trick early in the second period but, after taking the ball past Sikelo, fired wide.

Malawi contained Cameroon as the second period progressed and Temwa Chawinga was just wide with a low shot after a goalmouth scramble.

By reaching the semi-finals, Cameroon, Malawi, third-placed Algeria and Morocco qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The number of African qualifiers could swell to six as losing WAFCON quarter-finalists South Africa and Ghana have secured places in inter-continental play-offs.

Source: AFP

13, August 2026

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final: Malawi to meet Cameroon ⁰

Malawi continued their giant-killing run at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and beat Algeria 3-1 on Wednesday to book a place ‌in the final against Cameroon.

Cameroon upset hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties after the match ended goalless following extra time in the other semi-final.

Competing at the finals for the first time, Malawi beat defending champions Nigeria ⁠in their opening group fixture before edging more fancied rivals Ghana in the quarter-finals.

The Cup of Nations finals served as qualifiers for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil with the four quarter-final winners going through.

Malawi’s heroics continued on Wednesday with Chawinga sisters, Tabitha (2) and Temwa, netting the goals in the semi-final triumph with Ikram Adjabi ‌getting ⁠Algeria’s consolation.

Morocco had a controversial penalty awarded to them two minutes before the end of extra-time after a VAR review but Fatima Tagnaout had her effort saved.

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina ⁠went on to save three more spot kicks in the shootout before teenager Myriam Nyadjou coolly converted the winning penalty ⁠to send her country through to the final.

The final on Sunday in Rabat will crown a new African ⁠champion with all past continental tournaments having been won by either Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria or South Africa.

Source: Reuters

10, August 2026

Indomitable Lionesses dump champions Nigeria out of WAFCON ⁰

A new champion will emerge at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defending champions Nigeria were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

South Africa, who also won the title in 2022, were eliminated by hosts Morocco on Saturday.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a resilient display in Casablanca to end Nigeria’s title defense and book their place in the semi-finals, while also securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Cameroon struck the decisive blow in the 19th minute through 20-year-old Myriam Maéva Nyadjou, who unleashed a thunderous effort from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie helpless.

Nigeria looked for an immediate response a minute later when Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but Gift Monday was unable to make a clean connection after Cameroon had dealt comfortably with the initial threat.

The Super Falcons continued to push forward and came close again in the 28th minute. Rinsola Babajide’s delivery found Jennifer Echegini in a promising position, but her effort was well saved as Cameroon protected their slender advantage.

Despite Nigeria enjoying spells of possession and creating opportunities, Cameroon remained organised at the back and carried their 1-0 lead into the half-time break.

Nigeria emerged for the second half with even greater urgency in search of an equaliser but found Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina in inspired form.

The shot-stopper produced one of the saves of the tournament in the 70th minute, stretching out a strong hand to deny Uchenna Kanu’s powerful header and preserve her side’s lead.

Cameroon nearly doubled their advantage six minutes from time when Achta Njoya’s well-struck free-kick from a tight angle forced Nnadozie into a sharp save, with the Nigerian goalkeeper tipping the effort over the crossbar.

The defending champions threw everything forward in the closing stages and almost forced extra time through substitute Esther Okoronkwo.

After using her pace to beat her marker, Okoronkwo sent a left-footed effort agonisingly wide of the post, with substitute Asisat Oshoala waiting for a simple lay-off beside her.

Cameroon held firm through the final minutes to seal a memorable victory, eliminating the 10-time champions and punching their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Following Nigeria’s defeat, the Super Falcons will face South Africa on Thursday for a place in the inter-confederation World Cup play-offs, with the fixture determining one of Africa’s representatives at the qualifying tournament.

Culled from The PUNCH

18, July 2026

CAF boss Patrice Motsepe backed to succeed Infantino as FIFA president ⁰

South Africa’s sports minister has publicly thrown his weight behind billionaire Patrice Motsepe to become the next president of FIFA, positioning the mining magnate as a leading candidate to succeed Gianni Infantino whenever the Swiss administrator steps down.

Gayton McKenzie, the minister of sport, arts and culture, told CityAM that Motsepe’s name would command near-universal support across the game. “I don’t know if there’s anybody that will disagree with his name” being in contention to take over, McKenzie said, framing the South African as the natural heir to world football’s top job.

The endorsement comes with a long runway. Infantino is expected to be re-elected unopposed next year for a third term, a tenure that would run to 2031 and stretch his time in charge to 15 years. McKenzie made clear that Africa would wait its turn rather than mount a challenge now. “Let Infantino serve this term,” he said. “He’s going to serve another term. We’ll make sure that is the case in Africa. As soon as the term is finished, we will all root for Patrice Motsepe to take over FIFA.”

Motsepe, 64, has led the Confederation of African Football since 2021, and his presidency has coincided with a marked rise in the competitiveness of African teams. McKenzie credited him with reshaping the continental game. “Patrice Motsepe, what he has done to African soccer, the Confederation of African Football, has never been done,” the minister said. “He has brought professionalism, big money to the table, and he rooted out corruption.”

The case rests partly on results at the expanded World Cup, which concludes on Sunday. The tournament featured 10 African teams, nine of which advanced past the group stage. Egypt reached the last 16 and Morocco the quarter-finals, outcomes McKenzie cited as evidence that teams under CAF now boast the highest qualification rate for the knockout rounds.

Motsepe would be the first African to lead FIFA if elected. He was named last month in CityAM’s Football Power List, a ranking of the 25 most influential figures in the sport, a measure of how far his standing in football administration has climbed in a short period.

His path to Zurich is complicated by a rival ambition at home. Motsepe is also said to have an eye on the South African presidency, with the next national elections due in 2029, two years before any FIFA vacancy would open. The overlapping timelines mean the two goals could work against each other, forcing a choice between the highest office in his own country and the top job in world football.

Whether Motsepe pursues either remains unstated by the man himself. He has not publicly declared for the FIFA presidency, and the backing so far has come from allies rather than from any campaign of his own. Infantino’s grip on the role also appears firm, with support reported from South America, Africa and Asia sufficient to secure a third term unopposed.

Motsepe built the fortune that underpins his football rise through mining. He founded African Rainbow Minerals in the late 1990s, becoming the first Black South African to build a major mining company in the post-apartheid era, and later expanded into financial services through African Rainbow Capital and insurer Sanlam. Forbes has estimated his net worth at around $3 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people on the continent and the first Black South African to appear on its billionaires list.

His wealth and his football platform have long been intertwined. He owns Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most successful clubs in South African football, and has poured resources into the professional game domestically before taking the CAF role. The combination of financial muscle and administrative record forms the core of the argument his backers now make for a FIFA candidacy.

The minister delivered his endorsement while in London for an event in Trafalgar Square marking Nelson Mandela Day, a celebration that also commemorates 30 years of South Africa’s constitution. The timing placed Motsepe’s name in front of an international audience at a moment when African football’s stock, by his supporters’ account, has rarely been higher.

Any contest is years away, and much can shift before 2031. What the intervention establishes is that South Africa intends to push its most prominent businessman toward the summit of world football when the moment arrives, and that within his own government; the ambition already has a powerful voice behind it.

Source: billionaire.africa

30, June 2026

World Cup: Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach round of 16 ⁰

Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time in Monterrey to book their place in the World Cup round of 16. Cody Gakpo’s second-half opener looked set to send the Dutch through before Issa Diop headed home deep into stoppage time.

The Atlas Lions’ goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning spot-kick that sealed a 3-2 shootout win.

The victory sends Morocco into a last 16 clash with Canada in Houston on Saturday.

An enthralling match had gone to extra time after Issa Diop had glanced in a dramatic equaliser for Morocco in the first minute of stoppage time as the Netherlands closed in on victory.

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The Dutch had taken the lead midway through the second half with a goal from Cody Gakpo, playing just days after his partner had confirmed the death of the couple’s unborn son.

Liverpool forward Gakpo sank to the turf and appeared overcome with emotion as he was surrounded by team-mates in a prolonged group embrace.

But Morocco forced extra time when an unmarked Diop headed home from substitute Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in injury time.

Morocco had created the better chances of a fractious encounter, which saw players from both sides flying into tackles to test the patience of Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio.

The Atlas Lions almost took the lead on 20 minutes when Neil al-Aynaoui glanced an Achraf Hakimi corner goalwards only to be denied by a superb reflex save from Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Verbruggen was pressed into action moments later, this time doing well to tip a vicious strike from Hakimi over the bar.

The fierce nature of the contest was on full display midway through the half when Saibari was lucky to escape sanction after elbowing Jan Paul van Hecke in the face.

The Dutch continued to enjoy plenty of possession but were unable to convert it into goalscoring chances.

2-hour drama

Their best effort came on 44 minutes when Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven uncorked a ferocious shot from the edge of the area that was tipped over by Bounou.

Van Hecke continued to find himself in the thick of the action, and after bloodying his head in a collision in the penalty area, made his presence felt with a crunching tackle that upended el-Aynaoui just before half-time.

As the half ended Saibari just failed to connect with a cross that flashed across the Dutch goal before going behind.

The drama continued into an end-to-end second half, but appeared to have tilted in the Netherlands’ favour when coach Ronald Koeman brought on forward Wout Weghorst in a flurry of substitutions after the hydration break.

Weghorst made an immediate impact flicking on a long ball to send Summerville bearing in on goal. Summerville crossed to Gakpo, who hurled himself at the ball to score.

The Netherlands, superbly marshalled by Gakpo’s Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk, appeared to be heading for victory but Diop’s late header sent it to extra-time.

Morocco looked to have made the breakthrough when Soufiane Rahimi went through on goal in the 96th minute, only to be denied by a jaw-dropping save from Verbruggen.

The Netherlands held on for penalties but despite Morocco missing their first when El-Aynaoui hit the bar, the north Africans recovered to win.

Source: AFP

27, June 2026

Football: Senegal crushes 10-man Iraq to remain in hunt for knockout spot ⁰

Senegal became the first African side to score five goals in a World Cup match, a stunning double by Pape Gueye inspiring them to a 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match on Friday.

Senegal also boosted their chances of progressing to the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams – they have the best goal difference of the teams on three points.

Iraq go home without a point after a hugely disappointing campaign following an arduous route to qualify.

Senegal struck early, Habib Diarra getting the slightest of touches to Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner, for his first international goal since he scored in a friendly against England last year.

Iraq’s already slim hopes of keeping their hopes alive suffered a hammerblow a few minutes later.

Defender Rebin Sulaka had been brought into the starting line-up by Iraq coach Graham Arnold but his contribution lasted just 13 minutes.

English referee Anthony Taylor red-carded him after consulting the VAR screen for fouling Sadio Mane when the Senegal talisman was clear on goal.

It was the earliest red card of the nine so far in the World Cup, the fourth fastest in the tournament’s history.

Senegal's defender #04 Abdoulaye Seck celebrates after scoring his team's first goal — Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seck celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal.

Iraq were unable to fashion a chance in the rest of the half and despite their one man advantage Senegal could only muster one, Ismail Jacobs fierce strike from outside the box just going wide with the keeper beaten.

Senegal came out for the second-half bristling with intent.

Iraq had been further destabilised as they had to replace goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, who had taken a knock in the first-half, with Jalal Hassan at the break.

Hassan survived the early wave of attacks but was helpless when Senegal finally got into their stride.

Ismaila Sarr tapped in in the 56th minute, for his third goal of the tournament, after a dreadful error by former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal deep inside his own half gifted Senegal possession.

The relief of the second goal had Sarr lying prone on his back pumping his fists with joy.

Then came the Gueye show and it had the fans off their seats.

Within 89 seconds of coming on as a substitute he let rip from outside the box with a sublime curling effort that gave Hassan no chance for 3-0 in the 59th minute.

The Villarreal midfielder possibly outdid that effort with a vicious half volley 12 minutes later that flew past the keeper.

Arnold was reduced to leaning on the dugout and ruefully shaking his head, and could only watch as Iliman Ndiaye scored with another screamer eight minutes from time.

Source: AFP

26, June 2026

World Cup: South Africa reaches knockout stage for first time ⁰

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening defeat.

The Bafana Bafana, playing in a World Cup for the first time since they hosted it in 2010, were widely written off after their 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico in the tournament’s curtain raiser.

But they battled to a draw against the Czech Republic and came out on top of what was effectively a shootout with South Korea for second place in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos said it was difficult to put his side’s achievement into words.

“We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heartbeating and hoping that the game should be finished as soon as possible,” said the Belgian.

“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve worked with them for five years. And what we did in those five years is amazing.”

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a shock call by leaving captain Son Heung-min — considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player — out of the starting line-up.

The Asian team started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae’s powerful header blocked on the goalline by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in flashed wide.

South Africa quickly settled, playing with hunger and adventure, but their finishing was wasteful.

They seemed certain to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot.

But Makgopa could only tamely poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes made by coach Hong as he sought to change the script.

Early in the second period Maseko squandered another good position while South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.

As news filtered through from Mexico City that the host nation were leading against the Czech Republic, there was an added sense of urgency.

South Africa seized their moment with Tshepang Moremi crossing to Maseko, who this time kept his cool, firing home inside the near post in the 63rd minute.

South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.

Ochoa’s sixth World Cup finals

Co-hosts Mexico topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.

El Tri completed their first round with a 100% record after romping past the Czech Republic 3-0 in the Estadio Azteca.

Mexico move on to a last-32 match in the same stadium on June 30 while the Czechs return home after finishing bottom of the group.

Mateo Chavez gave Mexico the lead in the 55th minute and Julian Quinones took advantage of disarray in the Czech defence six minutes later to extend the lead.

Alvaro Fidalgo completed a sparkling evening for the Mexicans as he smashed in a cross four minutes into added time.

Mexico even brought on goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as a second-half substitute, allowing the veteran to play in a sixth World Cup finals at the age of 40.

Source: AFP

25, June 2026

Who is the African World Cup goalscorer older than Ronaldo and Messi? ⁰

Cristiano Ronaldo may have scored at a record sixth Fifa World Cup, but there is one piece of history which still eludes both him and Lionel Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday.

When Ronaldo broke the deadlock against Uzbekistan in Portugal’s second group match he became the second-oldest scorer in the history of the tournament, finding the back of the net at the ripe old age of 41 years and 138 days.

But the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man still sits behind Cameroon great Roger Milla on the all-time list.

Milla first featured at the 1982 finals in Spain but found global fame aged 38 with four goals as the Indomitable Lions reached the quarter-finals at Italia 90 – the first African team to make it that far – marking his efforts with a dance by the corner flag which became his trademark.

Four years later, Milla was back on the scoresheet at USA 94, slotting in from eight yards against Russia. The corner flag wiggle was back again, but Cameroon lost the game 6-1 and went out at the group stage.

However, Ronaldo will no doubt take some pride in the fact he bumped Messi down from third to fourth on the list after the Argentina forward had netted aged 38 years and 363 days in his side’s win over Austria.

Messi could also be overtaken by Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko or Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, both 40, should either bag a goal.

Japan centre-back Yuto Nagamoto is also nine months older than the Argentine legend but is yet to make an appearance.

Or could a veteran goalkeeper turn themselves into an unlikely hero? Six are older than Messi, including Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Cape Verde’s Vozinha and Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera – but no keeper has ever scored in 22 editions of the World Cup stretching back to 1930.

Austria’s Marko Arnautovic, 37, has entered the top 10 at this tournament thanks to his late penalty in the win over Jordan.

But Milla’s record looks set to stand for some time unless, that is, Ronaldo or Messi fancy the idea of playing on home soil when the 2030 World Cup hosts games in both Portugal and Argentina.

You wouldn’t rule it out, right?

The World Cup’s top 10 oldest goalscorers

Roger Milla runs as he celebrates scoring against Russia at the 1994 World Cup by spreading his arms out wide with a wide grin on his face. Milla wears a green Cameroon shirt with a red collar and a bold number nine on the chest, with red shorts. Out of focus in the background a referee in a yellow shirt and black shorts and a Russia player in a white shirt and blue shorts can be seen in front of a crowd — Image caption,Roger Milla played for Cameroon between 1973 and 1994

1. Roger Milla – Cameroon vs Russia (28 June 1994) – 42 years, 39 days

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal vs Uzbekistan (23 June 2026) – 41 years, 138 days

3. Pepe – Portugal vs Switzerland (6 December 2022) – 39 years, 283 days

4. Lionel Messi – Argentina vs Austria (22 June 2026) – 38 years, 363 days

5. Gunnar Gren – Sweden v Germany (24 June 1958) – 37 years, 236 days

6. Cuauhtemoc Blanco – Mexico v France (17 June 2010) – 37 years, 151 days

7. Felipe Baloy – Panama vs England (24 June 2018) – 37 years, 120 days

8. Marko Arnautovic – Austria v Jordan (17 June 2026) – 37 years, 58 days

9. Obdulio Varela – Uruguay vs England (26 June 1954) – 36 years, 279 days

10. Martin Palermo – Argentina vs Greece (22 June 2010) – 36 years, 227 days

Culled from the BBC

10, June 2026

Africa sends record 10 teams into World Cup as 2026 tournament begins ⁰

Africa will make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 10 teams representing the continent, the largest African contingent ever seen at the tournament.

The competition kicks off on Thursday in North America, with South Africa facing co-hosts Mexico in the opening match, and for the first time Africa will have double-digit representation on football’s biggest stage.

Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia will carry the continent’s hopes at the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

It is a landmark moment for African football, coming four years after Morocco became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022.

The increase in representation gives the continent a wider opportunity to build on that breakthrough and to challenge deeper into the competition than ever before.

Africa’s World Cup story began in 1934, when Egypt became the first team from the continent to appear at the finals.

For decades, African representation remained limited.

Morocco became the continent’s next participant in 1970, before DR Congo, then competing as Zaire, appeared in 1974.

Tunisia followed in 1978, before Algeria and Cameroon represented Africa at the 1982 tournament.

By 1986, Algeria and Morocco carried the continent’s hopes, while Cameroon and Egypt featured in 1990.

The 1994 World Cup saw Cameroon, Morocco and Nigeria represent Africa, before the continent had five teams for the first time in 1998: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia.

That five-team representation continued in 2002, with Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia, before Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Tunisia qualified for the 2006 tournament.

Africa’s previous record came in 2010, when six teams appeared at the World Cup hosted by South Africa.

Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa were all present, with Ghana going on to reach the quarter-finals before losing to Uruguay on penalties.

In 2014, Africa was represented by Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia qualified in 2018, while Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia carried African hopes in Qatar in 2022.

Morocco’s run to the semi-finals in Qatar changed the global perception of African teams at the World Cup.

The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four, giving African football its strongest statement yet at the tournament.

Now, with 10 teams involved, the continent has more chances to create another historic run.

Cape Verde’s qualification is one of the standout stories of the 2026 tournament, with the island nation set for its first World Cup appearance.

DR Congo also return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, adding another powerful storyline to Africa’s participation.

South Africa’s return is also significant. Bafana Bafana are back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, and they will open the competition against Mexico in a fixture rich with history.

Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire all bring World Cup experience, while Cape Verde and DR Congo add freshness and renewed energy to the African challenge.

For the continent, the 2026 World Cup is not only about numbers.

It is about whether African teams can turn record representation into record performance.

The expanded tournament offers more places, but it also brings greater expectations.

After years of near misses, dramatic exits and unforgettable moments, Africa arrives in North America with its strongest presence yet.

From Egypt’s first appearance in 1934 to 10 teams in 2026, the journey has been long, difficult and historic.

Now the continent has another opportunity to show that its place at the World Cup is not just growing in size, but also in ambition.

African participation at the FIFA World Cup

1934: Egypt

1970: Morocco

1974: DR Congo

1978: Tunisia

1982: Algeria, Cameroon