African results justify World Cup slots increase amid criticism
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- African teams largely justified their increased World Cup slots in the expanded 2026 tournament, with most representatives reaching the knockout stage.
- This performance contrasts with criticism, such as that from former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, who questioned Africa's allocation of places.
- Despite one team's poor showing, nine of Africa's ten representatives advanced, with five finishing as group runners-up and four qualifying as best third-placed teams.
The performance of African nations in the expanded 2026 World Cup largely vindicated the increase in their allocated slots, despite some international criticism. While Italy's former coach Gennaro Gattuso suggested Africa deserved fewer places, the continent's representatives proved their mettle.
Out of the ten African teams that qualified, nine reached the knockout stages. Five secured their spots by finishing as group runners-up, and another four advanced as the best third-placed teams. This widespread success demonstrates the growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage.
The only notable exception was Tunisia, whose campaign ended early with three losses and the dismissal of their coach, Sabri Lamouchi. However, their struggles did not overshadow the overall positive showing from the continent's other teams, who demonstrated that they belonged among the world's elite.
Africa deserves fewer World Cup slots
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Dawn. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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