Africa-Press – Eritrea. African nations discovered their group-stage opponents on Thursday following the draw for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
With nine African teams in the tournament — South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Egypt, Cape Verde, Senegal, Algeria and Ghana — the continent faces a mixed bag of opportunities and daunting challenges in what promises to be the biggest World Cup ever staged.
South Africa Draw Mexico, South Korea in Group A
South Africa will compete in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, Asian powerhouse South Korea, and the winner of European Playoff D.
Bafana Bafana, returning to the global stage with renewed confidence after recent improvements, face a tough test against the Mexicans’ home advantage and Korea’s high tempo. The European playoff winner could further complicate their ambitions of advancing.
Morocco Set for Blockbuster Meetings with Brazil in Group C
Semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, Morocco headline Africa’s strongest hope and have been drawn into a fascinating Group C with Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.
The Atlas Lions will relish an early heavyweight clash with the five-time champions while remaining favourites to progress from the group. Their tactical discipline and strong squad depth position them again as Africa’s leading contender.
Ivory Coast Face Germany in Competitive Group E
AFCON champions Ivory Coast enter Group E with Germany, Curacao, and Ecuador.
Though the Germans are favourites, Ivory Coast boast a strong squad capable of competing at the highest level, placing them in a favourable position to fight for a knockout berth. Meanwhile, Curacao’s rapid rise under new management makes them a wildcard.
Tunisia Land in Group F Against Netherlands and Japan
Tunisia must navigate a difficult Group F containing Netherlands, Japan, and the European Playoff B winner.
The Eagles of Carthage, known for their disciplined defensive structure, will need to find attacking efficiency to stand a chance in one of the tougher groups involving two of world football’s most technically disciplined sides.
Egypt Take on Belgium in Group G
Record African champions Egypt find themselves in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.
The Pharaohs’ clash with Belgium is among the highlights of the group stage, but qualification appears within reach if they handle Iran’s defensive rigidity and New Zealand’s physical approach.
Cape Verde Face Spain and Uruguay in Group H
One of Africa’s rising football stories, Cape Verde, face a challenging assignment in Group H with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Despite being underdogs, the Blue Sharks have built a reputation for upsetting bigger nations and will hope to make history by advancing from a highly competitive group.
Senegal Set for Heavyweight Duel with France in Group I
Group I presents a mouth-watering showdown between reigning world champions France and African giants Senegal. They will be joined by Norway and the winner of FIFA Playoff 2.
Senegal, boasting world-class talent across Europe’s top leagues, enter the group as strong contenders to qualify and potentially challenge France for top spot.
Algeria Meet Argentina in Group J
Algeria headline Africa’s toughest draw, landing defending champions Argentina in Group J alongside Austria and Jordan.
The Desert Foxes will need to rediscover consistency after recent fluctuations to stand a chance of progressing from a group containing one of the tournament favourites.
Ghana Draw England and Croatia in Group L
Former quarter-finalists Ghana have been placed in Group L against England, Croatia, and Panama.
The Black Stars will enter the tournament with young, energetic talent but face two European giants who have reached recent World Cup finals.
Their meeting with Croatia may ultimately decide their fate.
A Balanced Yet Challenging Outlook for Africa
While the draw presents opportunities for Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Ghana, it also poses formidable challenges for Algeria and Cape Verde.
South Africa and Tunisia face groups that demand tactical discipline and high efficiency.
With the expanded 48-team format increasing Africa’s representation, the continent heads into the 2026 World Cup with its highest-ever chance of making a deep and historic run.
