Africa at the 2026 World Cup: A Record 10 Nations & the Continent's Best-Ever Chance

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic moment for African football: for the first time ever, 10 nations from the continent will compete at the tournament. The expanded 48-team format has given Africa an unprecedented platform — and coming off Morocco's stunning semi-final run in 2022, the timing could not be better for the continent to make its biggest mark yet on world football.

The 10 African Nations

Africa's 10 representatives at the 2026 World Cup are: Morocco (Group C), Algeria (Group J), Senegal (Group I), Ivory Coast (Group E), Egypt (Group G), Ghana (Group L), Tunisia (Group F), Cape Verde (Group H), South Africa (Group A), and DR Congo (Group K). Each nation qualified through one of the most competitive African qualifying campaigns in history — a campaign that saw giants Nigeria and Cameroon shockingly miss out.

Nigeria & Cameroon Miss Out

The African qualification story was defined as much by who missed out as who qualified. Nigeria — one of Africa's most historically significant football nations — failed to qualify after a dramatic inter-confederation playoff, eventually losing on penalties to DR Congo. Cameroon, who had beaten Nigeria in the second round, were themselves knocked out in a major upset. Their absence leaves two of the continent's most passionate football nations watching from home.

Morocco: Africa's Standard-Bearers

Morocco enter the 2026 World Cup as Africa's highest-placed side and the standard-bearers for continental ambition. Their 2022 semi-final run — the best finish ever by an African nation — transformed global perceptions of African football. In Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, Morocco face their toughest possible group stage test. But with Achraf Hakimi and a deeply organised squad, another deep run is entirely within reach.

DR Congo's Historic Return

One of the most remarkable qualification stories of the entire 2026 World Cup cycle belongs to DR Congo — returning to the tournament for the first time since 1974 (having competed as Zaire). Their dramatic inter-confederation playoff victory over Nigeria on penalties completed a qualification story that gripped the entire continent. DR Congo are in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, with Newcastle United's Yoane Wissa leading their attacking line.

Camp Bases Across North America

All 10 African nations have been assigned camp bases across the three host countries. Morocco and Senegal will be based in New York/New Jersey. Ghana in Boston. Algeria in Kansas City. DR Congo in Houston. Ivory Coast in Philadelphia. Egypt in Spokane, Washington. Cape Verde in Tampa. Tunisia and South Africa, whose group matches are in Mexico, will be based in Monterrey and Pachuca respectively.