2026 World Cup: Morocco In, Four More African Giants on the Brink of Qualification
Africa’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, with Morocco already punching their ticket and four other heavyweights edging closer to securing their spots.
The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists in Qatar 2022, have continued their dominance in the qualifiers with a flawless run that makes them the first African side to guarantee participation in the expanded 48-team tournament.
They could soon be joined by Egypt, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, and South Africa, all of whom are firmly in the driving seat in their respective groups.
The Pharaohs of Egypt, powered by their consistency, are guaranteed at least second place and could go eight points clear if they overcome Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
In Group F, Ivory Coast lead Gabon by just one point, but a win on Tuesday would all but seal their qualification.
Meanwhile, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia are seven points ahead of Namibia and can confirm their ticket if they beat Equatorial Guinea away on Monday. Even a draw might suffice if Namibia stumbles against Sao Tome e Principe.
In Group C, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana sit at the summit and, despite a looming threat of a FIFA points deduction, they could put one foot firmly in the finals with a win against Nigeria in Bloemfontein.
Opinion: A New Dawn for African Football?
African football seems to be standing at a powerful crossroads. With Morocco already in and traditional giants like Egypt, Tunisia, and Ivory Coast close to following suit, the continent is quietly assembling what could be one of its strongest-ever representations at a World Cup.
For fans, there’s a palpable sense of excitement. Morocco’s historic run in 2022—becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals—proved that African football no longer exists just to participate, but to compete and make history. If teams like Egypt and Ivory Coast bring their trademark flair, alongside Tunisia’s tactical discipline and South Africa’s fighting spirit, Africa could see another golden moment on the global stage.
Still, the journey won’t be without its hurdles. The looming points deduction threat for South Africa, and the tight margins in Ivory Coast’s group, remind us that qualification is never a given. Yet, what shines through is the resilience and hunger these nations display—qualities that fans believe could translate into a truly unforgettable 2026 World Cup for Africa.
The question remains: could this be the tournament where an African nation finally lifts the trophy?
