Here is a complete guide that contains information such as qualified teams, groups and many more for African countries at the 2026 World Cup.
For the first time in history, 10 African nations will compete at a single World Cup the 2026 edition is gradually shaping up to be one of the biggest in the tournament’s history.
Nine African countries secured a direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup through nine gruelling CAF qualifying groups spanning two years.
The tenth, DR Congo, came through the most dramatic route of anyone as they survived a highly competitive CAF play-offs against Nigeria and Cameroon, before going ahead to defeat Jamaica 1-0 in extra time in the intercontinental play-offs to put an end to their 52-year absence from the sport’s greatest stage.
Notable absentees include Nigeria and Cameroon, both of whom fell at the final African hurdle, and whose supporters must watch from afar.
The new tournament format opens the door for Africa to go further in the competition, following the all-time high set by Morocco, which reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in the 2020 edition in Qatar.
Which African countries qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Morocco — The Atlas Lions
Morocco National team
Group C: Brazil · Scotland · Haiti
Following their historic semi-final run in 2022, which saw them eliminate Spain and Portugal whilst becoming the first African country to reach the final four, Morocco will head into the tournament with a renewed sense of purpose, as well as a new support team following the departure of Walid Regragui and the introduction of Mohamed Ouahbi.
Key players: Achraf Hakimi · Brahim Diaz · Youssef En-Nesyri
Senegal — The Lions of Teranga
Senegal
Group I: France · Norway · Iraq
The Senegalese national football team arrive with fresh purpose following the retirement of their captain and star player, Sadio Mane. Seven wins, three draws, and a commanding 4–0 victory over Mauritania sealed qualification. Their 2022 Round of 16 exit still lingers, but this squad feels different.
Key players: Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Kalidou Koulibaly
Egypt — The Pharaohs
Egypt National team
Group G: Belgium · Iran · New Zealand
Topped CAF Group A with a clinical 2-0 win over Ethiopia. Egypt possess arguably the most globally recognised player in African football, Mo Salah, and their opener against Belgium promises to be one of the group stage’s defining clashes. This could be a career-defining moment for the Liverpool forward as it could inevitably be his last dance in the tournament.
Key Players: Mo Salah, Omar Marmoush
South Africa — Bafana Bafana
Group A: Mexico · South Korea · Czech Republic
The 2010 World Cup hosts return for the first time since that tournament, earning their first successful qualification campaign since 2002.
Key players to watch: Teboho Mokoena, Percy Tau and Lyle Foster
Algeria — The Desert Foxes
Algeria National team
Group J: Argentina · Austria · Jordan
Back at the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, Algeria’s return is powered by Mahrez’s magic and a new generation of talent. With Riyad Mahrez having so much to fight for in what he has categorised as his last WC with the team, the opening fixture against the current champions, Argentina, certainly is an uphill task for Algeria to overcome.
Key Players: Riyad Mahrez, Haris Belkebla and Youcef Atal
Tunisia — The Carthage Eagles
Tunisia vs Nigeria
Group F: Netherlands · Japan · Sweden
Even with 6 World Cup appearances under their belt, Tunisia have failed to progress past the group stage of the tournament, a history they will be looking to change at the 2026 edition. With their group looking relatively easier compared to previous editions, the goal for Tunisia will be to progress to the knockout stage of the competition for the first time.
Key Players: Hannibal Mejbri, Aissa Laidouni and Seifeddine Jaziri
Côte d’Ivoire — The Elephants
Ivory Coast
Group E: Germany · Ecuador · Curaçao
Back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after dominating CAF Group F, taking 26 points from a possible 30, the 2024 AFCON champions, Cote d’Ivoire, will be looking to leverage their quality and progress to the next stage of the tournament. With opponents like Ecuador and Curacao in their group, the chances of securing a spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup is looking likely as time progresses.
Key Players: Amad Diallo, Sebastien Haller and Nicholas Pepe
Ghana — The Black Stars
Black Stars of Ghana
Group L: England · Croatia · Panama
The Black Stars of Ghana return with a youthful, dynamic squad and a new head coach in Carlos Queiroz. They narrowly missed the quarter-finals in 2010, losing to Uruguay in the infamous handball incident. Drawn into a tough Group L alongside England and Croatia, the Black Stars will need their best to advance, but with the new format, the third-place route gives them hope.
Key players to watch: Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
Cape Verde — The Blue Sharks
Cape Verde
Group H: Spain · Saudi Arabia · Uruguay
The Blue Sharks will make their first-ever World Cup appearance after topping CAF Group D, leaving Cameroon in their wake. With a population of under 600,000, they will be the second-smallest nation by population to play at a men’s World Cup. Facing Spain and Uruguay in Group H is a steep challenge, but their debut is already historic.
Key players to watch: Ryan Mendes · Garry Rodrigues · Stopira
DR Congo — The Leopards
DR Congo
Group K: Portugal · Uzbekistan · Colombia
The most dramatic qualification route of any African side. DR Congo survived the CAF play-offs against Nigeria and Cameroon before defeating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time in the intercontinental play-offs, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring the decisive goal. Their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire, and now they face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.
Key players to watch: Aaron Wan Bisaka, Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa
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