The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been a tournament of extremes for Africa.
With a record 10 teams representing CAF this time around, the performances have been a mixed bag of legitimately excellent to horribly disappointing.
Africa entered this tournament with more confidence than ever before, and so far the results are beginning to demonstrate that optimism, at least in part.
Morocco Up Top
The Atlas Lions were the best African team in the group stage. Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opener, and then beat Scotland 1-0 before topping the group with a win over Haiti, qualifying second behind Brazil on goal difference.
They enter the Round of 32 as one of the most structured and threatening sides in the competition, with Ismael Saibari being a vital contribution in both wins.
Egypt Aiming For History
Egypt has been the other African bright spot in the competition. The Pharaohs opened with a 1-1 draw against Belgium and followed it up with a 3-1 win over New Zealand, with Mohamed Salah at the forefront.
Egypt are top of Group G with four points and are on the brink of a historic berth in the knockout stages.
They still have their last group game against Iran.
South Africa Surprise
Bafana Bafana have had a rollercoaster ride . They started with a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico and then drew 1-1 with Czechia before a surprise result.
South Africa pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, beating South Korea 1-0 to finish second in Group A and advance to the Round of 32 where they will play Canada.
History for South Africa! 🇿🇦
They’ve qualified for the knockout stage of the @FIFAWorldCup for the first time ever 👏 pic.twitter.com/4ixYpesdLu
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 25, 2026
Ghana and Cape Verde
Ghana and Cape Verde have given African football fans a lot to cheer about. The Black Stars had a stunning 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening thanks to a winner by Caleb Yirenkyi in stoppage time.
They then held England to a goalless draw, keeping their qualification chances alive going into a final group encounter against Croatia.
Cape Verde grabbed the limelight with a brilliant 0-0 draw against Spain in their first-ever World Cup game with the superhuman goalie, Vozinha.
Then they drew 2-2 with Uruguay to keep their knockout-stage ambitions alive.
Other African Teams
Things haven’t gone to plan for some teams. Tunisia’s campaign was over after a 4-0 annihilation by Japan sealing their early exit.
Their tournament had already been disrupted by a devastating loss in the opening match.
Senegal were just as disappointed, losing 3-1 to France and then 3-2 to Norway, tumbling out before their final game.
Algeria, for their part, were beaten 3-0 by Argentina but came back to overcome Jordan 2-1, keeping alive small hopes of progressing.
The DR Congo opened their campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Portugal but suffered a 1-0 loss to Colombia, meaning their destiny will be decided in the last game against Uzbekistan.
Ivory Coast took an early lead through Franck Kessié but fell narrowly to Germany and need something from their final game to keep alive.
Africa has every reason to be confident with Morocco and South Africa already through and Egypt on the verge.
When the dust settles in the group stage, the continent will be hoping there are more teams in the mix.
