The wait is over. The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on Thursday, June 11 as 48 nations converge on North America for the biggest and most inclusive tournament in football history.
Hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada, the 2026 World Cup marks a new era for the global game. It is the first tournament to feature 48 teams and the first to be staged across three nations.
While traditional powerhouses Spain, France, England, Brazil and Argentina enter as favourites, African nations will arrive with unprecedented ambition and belief. For the first time, Africa has a record representation at the World Cup, reflecting the continent’s growing influence on the global stage.
The expansion of the tournament has provided more opportunities, but Africa’s hopes are based on far more than numbers. The continent now boasts players starring at Europe’s biggest clubs, experienced coaches and teams capable of competing with the world’s best.
Much attention will focus on Spain, the reigning European champions and slight favourites according to bookmakers and predictive models. Guided by coach Luis de la Fuente and inspired by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Spain enter the tournament unbeaten in regulation time since winning UEFA Euro 2024.
France, led by Kylian Mbappé, remain among the strongest contenders after reaching the 2022 final, while England’s golden generation, spearheaded by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, hopes to end decades of disappointment.
Defending champions Argentina and five-time winners Brazil complete a formidable list of title challengers. Yet beneath the spotlight shining on Europe and South America lies a compelling African story. Morocco enters the tournament carrying the continent’s highest expectations.
The Atlas Lions captured global admiration in Qatar four years ago when they became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. DANGEROUS DARK HORSES Far from being a one-off achievement, that remarkable campaign transformed perceptions of African football.
With a squad packed with Europe-based stars and confidence gained from their historic run, Morocco is widely regarded as one of the tournament’s most dangerous dark horses. Senegal will also fancy their chances of making a deep run.
The Lions of Teranga navigated qualification unbeaten and possess a blend of experience and quality that few African teams can match. Veteran forward Sadio Mane remains the heartbeat of the side, providing leadership and match- winning ability in crucial moments.
Algeria returns to the World Cup determined to re-establish itself among Africa’s elite. After missing the previous two editions, the Desert Foxes arrive with renewed purpose. The creativity of Riyad Mahrez and the emerging threat of Mohamed Amoura provide reasons for optimism as they seek to translate their talent into tournament success.
Egypt, meanwhile, will look to their iconic captain Mohamed Salah. Having endured frustration in recent World Cup campaigns, the Pharaohs believe the expanded format offers a fresh opportunity.
Alongside the prolific Omar Marmoush, Salah leads a squad capable of troubling any defence on its day. South Africa’s return to football’s grandest stage is another encouraging sign for the continent.
Guided by the experienced Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have built a disciplined and youthful team that gained confidence from strong performances at recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Elsewhere, Ghana and Tunisia remain capable of springing surprises. The Black Stars combine experience and youthful energy, while Tunisia’s consistency and depth make them difficult opponents for any nation.
GENUINE BELIEF
The challenge facing African teams remains significant. No African nation has progressed beyond the semi-finals, and the road to glory still runs through traditional football superpowers.
However, the gap between continents continues to narrow. As the world turns its attention to North America over the coming weeks, Africa will not simply be participating. The continent will be competing with genuine belief that another historic breakthrough is within reach.
Morocco showed what is possible in 2022. The question now is whether one of Africa’s representatives can go even further and transform a dream into reality.