World Cup 2026: Can sub-Saharan Africa outdo noisy neighbours from north?

Africa's World Cup journey saw its zenith in Qatar 2022 when Morocco made history as the first team from the continent to reach the semifinals. While Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana have also reached the quarterfinals, North African nations like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria have historically led the continent's successes in both the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the focus shifts to sub-Saharan African nations aiming to surpass their North African neighbors. Senegal, a team with a rich World Cup history including a quarterfinal appearance in their 2002 debut and another in 2022, carries significant expectations. The Lions of Teranga are driven by a sense of injustice after being controversially stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title, which was awarded to Morocco following a mid-game walk-off by Senegalese players.

Senegal's squad depth is considered their greatest asset, with players like Sadio Mané, Pape Gueye, Edouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly capable of competing at the highest level. Many of these stars have ties to France, adding an intriguing narrative to their opening match against Didier Deschamps' side on June 16 in New York.

"If I lose even a second of my belief that I can win the World Cup with Senegal, I will step down," stated Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, underscoring the team's ambition. Senegal's group also includes Iraq and Norway. The team's performance in 2002, which included an upset victory over France, announced them as a rising football power, and they aim to replicate that success on the global stage.

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If I lose even a second of my belief that I can win the World Cup with Senegal, I will step down.