CAF

CAF has 9 teams at World Cup 2026: Morocco (Group C), South Africa (Group A), Tunisia (Group F), Egypt (Group G), Senegal (Group I), Algeria (Group J), Ivory Coast (Group E), Cape Verde (Group H), and Ghana (Group L).

Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals at Qatar 2022. They beat Belgium, Spain, and Portugal before losing to France. Their run is widely considered the most historic achievement in African football history.

No African team has ever won the World Cup, but the gap is narrowing. Morocco's 2022 run proved Africa can beat elite European competition. Senegal, Ivory Coast (AFCON 2024 champions), and Egypt have squads capable of reaching the quarter-finals. A first African finalist is possible within the next few tournaments.

CAF runs a qualification competition across three rounds. 54 African nations enter and are eventually whittled down to 9 qualifiers through group stages and home-and-away play-offs. For 2026, the allocation increased from 5 to 9 teams, reflecting Africa's growing football strength and FIFA's push to reward the world's most populous continent.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), and Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) are among the biggest names. Cape Verde's debut adds further intrigue.

Morocco are the leading African contender given their 2022 performance, tactical solidity under coach Walid Regragui, and strong European-based squad. Senegal are also strong with top Premier League talent throughout their roster, while Egypt (Mohamed Salah), Ivory Coast, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde round out a record 9-team African contingent.