BolaNews ranks all the 10 African countries representing the continent at the global showpiece. Despite the continent producing some of the biggest names, the beautiful game has ever seen, an African team is yet to win the tournament.
The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup will have a historic record of 10 African nations, increasing the continent’s chances of finally minting gold.
It is evident that Morocco and Senegal are currently the crème de la crème of African football due to recent form, squad depth, and history.
10. Cape Verde
Currently 67 on the FIFA world ranking, perhaps many would not have even predicted that Cape Verde would be making their first-ever appearance at the tournament. It is a very big stage for the small islands nation and a golden chance for the African nation to create a big impression at the biggest stage of world football.
Despite being 10th on the list, the Blue Sharks cannot be written off, they can still pull off a surprise at the tournament.
9. South Africa
Bafana Bafana, is the only African country to have ever hosted the global showpiece and will make their return to the world football against tournament hosts Mexico.
The fixture is undoubtedly a mouth watering start to the tournament.
8. Tunisia
Despite their organized play, Tunisia have not made it out of the group stage. Currently 47th on the FIFA World Rankings, many fans can only wait anxiously to see what their Arab side can bring to the pitch.
7. Ghana
The Black Stars, 72nd on the FIFA World rankings, have fallen down the perking order but their historical heritage at the tournament still makes them a force to be reckoned with.
Ghana’s route to qualification was not the most convincing but they did just about enough to get the job down.
6. DR Congo
While DR Congo has gained a reputation for having the most ruckus supporters, they have silently built a highly competitive team made up of individuals playing for some of the biggest leagues in Europe.
48th on the rankings, they are a team more than capable of causing upsets at the tournament.
5. Ivory Coast
The Elephants have the youngest age average at the tournament. While many were not aware of their style of play, their 2-1 win against world heavyweights France prior to the tournament has definitely put them on notice.
Sitting 37th on the FIFA World ranking, their recent AFCON triumph is proof that they know how to win crucial matches at tournaments.
4. Egypt
Ranked 32nd globally, it would be very unwise to write off the most successful team on the African continent having won the AFCON for a record seven times.
While Mohamed Salah may have struggled in his last season at Liverpool, he has a chance to win his first ever match at the World Cup.
3. Algeria
Algeria are definitely a dark horse on the continent, which makes them very unpredictable altogether.
The Desert Foxes have up of squad made up highly experienced players and young talent which is a good recipe for success at any tournament. Algeria is 28th on the FIFA rankings.
2. Senegal
The Teranga Lions’ boast a squad that is always consistently performing and perhaps there is not better time than now to prove to the why they are one of the tournament’s strongest envoys.
On the FIFA Rankings, Senegal occupies 12th position, and that in itself should already tell you something about their pedigree.
1. Morocco
Morocco’s heroics from the previous FIFA World Cup edition will be talked about for years to come. The Atlas Lions surprised the World by reaching the 2022 semi-finals. Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked nation, 8th on the global.
They have built quite the reputation with global super stars such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.
While winning the FIFA World Cup may still seem like a far fetched accomplishment for an African team, you cannot help but feel that this could be a birth of new dawn and perhaps now is the time to finally lift the most prized trophy in the world.
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