Africa Sends Record Nine Teams to 2026 World Cup – With a Tenth Still in Play

Africa will be represented by a record nine nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – its largest-ever contingent – thanks to the tournament’s expanded 48-team format, which allocates the continent nine direct qualification spots and one intercontinental playoff berth.

The confirmed qualifiers are: Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Ghana, South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

Morocco, fresh off its historic 2022 semifinal run – the first by an African side – aims to build on that momentum in North America. Senegal and Ivory Coast, perennial powerhouses, return with strong squads, while Egypt and Ghana seek redemption after recent tournament absences.

Cape Verde’s debut qualification marks a watershed moment for the island-nation.

North Africa remains a stronghold, with Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia all securing spots – a testament to the region’s enduring soccer pedigree.

A potential 10th African team will emerge from an intercontinental playoff featuring one of four runners-up: Gabon, DR Congo, Cameroon, or Nigeria.

Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup offers Africa its best chance yet to make a deep run – and possibly rewrite history once again.