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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

African Stars Eye Upset at FIFA World Cup

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • African teams are aiming to challenge for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, inspired by Morocco's historic semi-final run in 2022.
  • With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, Africa will have 10 representatives, the highest number yet.
  • Players and former stars express belief in the continent's growing football prowess and potential for further success.

African stars are setting their sights on upsetting the global order at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fueled by the continent's historic achievements and an expanded tournament format. Morocco's groundbreaking journey to the semi-finals in Qatar 2022 has ignited a belief that an African nation can indeed contend for the ultimate prize.

We’ve been on the rise, the leagues, CAF, the African Champions League, AFCON. Everything has improved immensely.

— Ronwen WilliamsSouth Africa captain Ronwen Williams on the growth of African football.

This year's World Cup will feature a record 10 African nations: Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. This expansion provides a greater platform for African talent to showcase their skills on the world stage, building on the progress made by Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana, who previously reached the quarter-finals.

What Morocco did, that was the start for us as Africans to believe that we can go far.

— Ronwen WilliamsSouth Africa captain Ronwen Williams on the impact of Morocco's 2022 World Cup performance.

Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye and South Africa captain Ronwen Williams are among the players who believe African teams can surpass previous benchmarks. Williams highlighted the overall improvement in African football, from domestic leagues to continental competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations. "We've been on the rise... Everything has improved immensely," Williams stated, emphasizing that Morocco's success was the catalyst for broader African aspirations.

I wouldn’t even bother packing my suitcase and travelling to the World Cup if it’s not to win it.

— Iliman NdiayeSenegal forward Iliman Ndiaye on his competitive mindset for the tournament.

Ndiaye stressed the importance of a winning mentality, declaring he wouldn't travel if not aiming to win. "I don't play these tournaments to just be a tourist," he said. Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien echoed this optimism, attributing past shortcomings partly to a lack of luck and urging continued belief. The collective sentiment among African football figures is one of growing confidence and a tangible possibility of making history in the upcoming tournament.

What Morocco did at the last World Cup should give all African teams inspiration.

— Iliman NdiayeSenegal forward Iliman Ndiaye on the inspirational effect of Morocco's previous World Cup run.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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