By Tendai Chisiri
TORONTO – African football is making its biggest-ever statement at the FIFA World Cup, with a record 10 nations at the 48-team tournament and several already collecting points in the opening round of group matches.
The expanded 2026 format, co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, gave CAF 9 direct slots plus 1 playoff place. All 10 are in action and 7 have already played their first game.
Ghana kicked off Africa’s campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto on June 17, sitting top of Group L with 3 points and +1 GD. The Black Stars are now in position to reach the knockout stage in the new 32-team format.
Ivory Coast also opened with 3 points after a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Group E. Amad Diallo’s 90th-minute winner ended the Elephants’ 4,373-day World Cup goal drought. They sit 2nd behind Germany on GD.
Morocco, Africa’s best performers in 2022, held Brazil 1-1 in their Group C opener. The Atlas Lions are 2nd in the group on 1 point, level with Brazil. They’re ranked 7th globally by FIFA and listed among “dark horses gaining attention” after the draw.
DR Congo stunned Portugal 1-1 in Houston, with Yoane Wissa scoring Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal. The Leopards sit 1st in Group K on 1 point. Axel Tuanzebe said: “We’re not here to participate. We’re really here to create our own history”.
Cape Verde held Spain 0-0 in Atlanta on June 15, earning 1 point in Group H. It was called “an almighty upset” and gave hope to tournament minnows.
Egypt opened Group G with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, sitting 4th on 1 point.
Senegal lost 3-1 to France in their Group I opener and sit 3rd on 0 points, but remain ranked 15th globally and 12th among “legit darkhorses”.
South Africa lost 2-0 to hosts Mexico in the tournament opener and sit 4th in Group A on 0 points. They play Czechia today, June 18.
Tunisia fell 5-1 to Sweden in Group F and Algeria lost 3-0 to defending champions Argentina.
By the numbers
- 10 African teams qualified – double the 5 at Qatar 2022
- 3 teams unbeaten after Matchday 1: Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, DR Congo, Cape Verde, Egypt
- First World Cup goals: Yoane Wissa for DR Congo, Amad Diallo for Ivory Coast
- FIFA rankings: Morocco 7th, Senegal 15th, Algeria 28th, Egypt 29th.
What’s next
With the top 2 from each of 12 groups plus 8 best 3rd-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32, Africa’s representatives still have a clear path. Key upcoming fixtures: Morocco vs Scotland June 19, Senegal vs Norway June 23, Ghana vs England June 23.
Morocco’s run to the 2022 semifinals raised expectations. With 6 African teams already on the board after Matchday 1, the continent is proving it belongs on the biggest stage.
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