Africa’s representatives have endured a mixed start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, collecting one win, one draw and two defeats from their opening four matches.
The continent’s first appearance at this year’s tournament came through South Africa, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico in the opening match of the competition.
Bafana Bafana battled hard and had some moments in the game but was unable to contain the hosts, who secured all three points to take an early lead in Group A.
Their next game will be gainst Czech Republic.
Morocco then provided Africa’s first positive result when the Atlas Lions held five-time world champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in Group C. Had they not given up their lead in the 32nd minute, they could have become the second African side to best Brazil at a World Cup.
The 2022 World Cup semi finalists looked on course for a famous victory when Ismael Saibari gave them the lead but Vinicius Junior earned Brazil a point.
Tunisia’s campaign got off to a difficult start as the Carthage Eagles were handed a heavy 5-1 defeat by Sweden in Group F. The result left Tunisia with work to do in their remaining matches if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
They face Japan and Netherlands in their last two games.
Africa’s first victory at the tournament eventually arrived courtesy of Ivory Coast, who edged Ecuador 1-0 in Group E. Just when the match appeared destined for a goalless draw, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to hand the Elephants all three points and become the first African side to record a win at the World Cup.
After four matches, African teams have accumulated four points, scoring three goals and conceding eight. Ivory Coast currently lead the continent’s charge with three points, while Morocco have one point. South Africa and Tunisia are still searching for their first points of the tournament.
Attention now turns to the remaining African representatives, with Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, DR Congo, Ghana and Cape Verde all preparing to begin their World Cup campaigns in the coming days as the continent looks to build momentum on football’s biggest stage.
Today, Cape Verde faces Spain while Egypt has a date against Belgium.
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