A record of 10 African countries qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and here is what you need to know about them.
10 teams are set to represent the continent on the World Cup stage after qualifying for the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.
Morocco: The Atlas Lions
Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022. Captain Achraf Hakimi, who also plays as a right-back for PSG, will lead the team, which is best known for its defensive unit.
Morocco has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, in 1976, and in the controversial 2025 edition, which saw Senegal stripped of the title after a disciplinary hearing.
Moroccans have also enjoyed success in the African Nations Championship, winning the competition in 2018, 2020, and 2024. The 2026 tournament marks their seventh World Cup appearance.
Watch out for: Brahim DÃaz, the Real Madrid midfielder, AFCON’s top scorer, who won the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Senegal: The Lions of Teranga
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Senegal remains one of Africa’s most consistent sides. Their memorable World Cup debut in 2002 saw them defeat defending champions France and reach the quarter-finals, while they also advanced to the Round of 16 in 2022.
The squad was initially declared the 2025 AFCON champions after winning the final 1–0 in extra time against host nation Morocco on 18 January 2026. The CAF Appeals Board, however, officially stripped them of the title on March 17, following disciplinary violations during the final match.
Watch out for: Sadio Mané, Senegal’s all-time leading scorer and Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr FC’s left winger.
Algeria: The Fennecs
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Algeria returns to the World Cup for a fifth appearance after qualifying for the 2026 tournament in North America. The Fennecs previously appeared in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014, with their best run coming in Brazil, where they reached the Round of 16 and pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time.
Algeria is a two-time Africa Cup of Nations champion, winning the tournament on home soil in 1990 before lifting it again in Egypt in 2019.
Watch Out for: Riyad Mahrez. Regarded as one of the best African players of all time by most, the squad’s captain also plays as a right winger for Al-Ahli.
Egypt: The Pharaohs
Egypt is Africa’s most successful national team, with a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles. Despite that dominance, they have struggled to make a major impact at World Cups, qualifying only three times before 2026.
Watch out for: Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward remains Egypt’s biggest star and one of the best players Africa has produced.
Tunisia: The Eagles of Carthage
Tunisia has quietly built a reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable qualifiers for the World Cup. They made history in 1978 by becoming the first African nation to win a World Cup match.
Watch out for: Hannibal Mejbri, who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Burnley.
Cape Verde: The Blue Sharks
The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, qualified for its first-ever World Cup after years of steady growth in African football.
Watch out for Roberto Lopes, who plays as a center-back for Shamrock Rovers.
Ghana: The Black Stars
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Ghana returns to the World Cup carrying history. Their run to the quarter-finals in 2010 remains one of Africa’s greatest World Cup performances.
Watch out for: Antoine Semenyo, who plays forward for the England club, Bournemouth.
Ivory Coast: Les Éléphants
Ivory Coast returns to the World Cup after missing the last two tournaments. Once led by legends such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, the Elephants now arrive with a younger squad.
Watch out for: Simon Adingra, who plays as a winger for Ligue 1 club Monaco, on loan from Premier League club Sunderland, and Amad Diallo, who plays for England’s Manchester United.
South Africa: Bafana Bafana
South Africa is back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Bafana Bafana have never progressed beyond the group stage and will be aiming to change that in North America.
Watch out for: Ronwen Williams, who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns and captains the national team.
DR Congo: The Leopards
DR Congo returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, ending a wait of more than five decades.Watch out for: Chancel Mbemba, who plays as a center-back for Ligue 1 club Lille, and Wan Bissaka, who plays as a right-back for EFL Championship club West Ham United.ys as a center-back for Ligue 1 club Lille.
