2026 World Cup: African Nations Aim for Victory as Nigeria Falls Short

As the footballing world eagerly awaits the 2026 FIFA World Cup to kick-start in less than seven months, Nigerian fans are faced with heartbreak following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the prestigious tournament.

Last Friday, the draw for next year’s World Cup was conducted in the United States of America.

African teams, including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and South Africa were all placed in different groups as Nigeria missed out.

Recall that the Super Eagles were defeated via penalty shoot-out against the Democratic Republic of Congo during the November World Cup playoff final at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.

As a result, DR Congo got Africa’s ticket to play in next year’s Intercontinental playoffs ahead of Eric Chelle’s side.

The Leopards will hope to defeat New Caledonia or Jamaica in the Intercontinental playoffs final to join Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and South Africa, who have already secured automatic qualification for the World Cup.

However, DAILY POST takes a look at the chances of African teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, as Nigeria missed out.

Nigeria’s absence from the competition undoubtedly alters the dynamics for African teams vying for glory in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

All eyes will be on these African countries at the World Cup next summer as they look to rise to the occasion in the absence of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

South Africa

South Africa has struggled to find its footing on the international stage in recent years. Their last participation at the World Cup was 15 years ago, when they hosted the competition. However, they secured an automatic ticket for the 2026 World Cup tournament ahead of Nigeria. They are in Group A alongside the likes of Mexico and South Korea.

South Africa. Making it out of the group would be seen as a major success for them.

Ivory Coast

They are the reigning African champions, having won the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, after beating Nigeria in the final. They have the potential to surprise many in the World Cup, and if they perform cohesively, they are likely to advance to the knockout stage. Ivory Coast is in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curacao.

Egypt

The Pharaohs, led by their star player Mohamed Salah, remain a team to watch at the World Cup despite the 33-year-old currently going through a tough time at Liverpool after his explosive interview where he criticized the club and manager Arne Slot. Egypt is in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. The North Africans could make a significant impact during the tournament.

Senegal

The Teranga Lions enter the 2026 World Cup tournament with high expectations. Led by star forward Sadio Mane, Senegal possesses a balanced team filled with experience and young talent, and they are expected to progress past the group stage. They are in Group I at the World Cup alongside the likes of France and Norway.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde will participate in their first World Cup tournament ever next year after it produced exceptional performances during the qualifiers.

They are in Group H alongside Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Obviously, Cape Verde is the underdog in the group, but they will hope to surprise many when the tournament begins.

Ghana

Ghana has historically been a powerhouse in African football, but recent underperformance has raised concerns about its chances of progressing from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup tournament. The Black Stars are in Group L and will face the likes of England, Croatia and Panama. They have a chance to revitalize their World Cup legacy, having reached the quarter-final stage during the 2010 edition in South Africa.

Morocco

Morocco is emerging as a consistent force in African football. They made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-final of a World Cup in the last edition in 2022. Morocco failed to advance to the final after losing 2-0 against France. Morocco is in Group C at the 2026 World Cup alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. The North Africans undoubtedly have what it takes to progress to the knock-out stage of the competition.

Tunisia

Tunisia is in Group F at the 2026 World Cup and will face the likes of Japan and the Netherlands. They could surprise their opponents and advance from the group stage.

Algeria

Algeria has the potential to go far at the 2026 World Cup tournament. They are in Group J alongside Argentina, Austria and Jordan. The North Africans have talented and established players like Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura eager to make a statement.

Speaking with DAILY POST on Monday, Audu Ojo, the head coach of FC Dawaki Rangers, singled out Morocco as the only African team that will do well at the World Cup after Nigeria missed out.

According to Ojo, the North Africans will progress from the group stage of the competition.

“Sadly, Nigeria will not be at the World Cup next year again in a row after missing out in 2022,” Ojo told DAILY POST.

“The only African team that will draw surprises at the 2026 World Cup is Morocco, to be honest.

“Look at what they achieved in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They reached the semi-final stage, and that is something that no African country has done before.

“I believe they can build on that. This year, they won the Under-20 World Cup. Morocco is the only African team I feel will cross the group stage,” he said.