Africa did not come to the 2026 World Cup to make up the numbers.
For the first time in the history of the competition, 10 countries represented the continent at the tournament.
FIFA had allocated nine slots, but the Democratic Republic of Congo ensured they qualified via the intercontinental play-off route.
Nine of them are in the Round of 32. We have never had that number in the knockouts in history.
Only Tunisia had been eliminated even before a ball was kicked in the final group fixtures.
“Sincerely speaking I’m impressed with what I have seen so far,” Ope Adebari, a sports analyst, reporter and producer with News Central, tells DAILY POST.
“All the African teams except Tunisia have actually played well.
“You can see the grit, passion plus high level quality play and good tactical nuance from the teams.
“I can confidently say that all the African teams that qualified deserved to be at the World Cup and they have proven so as well.”
Morocco have been especially excellent at this World Cup.
In the last edition in 2022, they went all the way to the semi-finals and were also stopped by eventual runners-up, France.
This year, the Atlas Lions are looking to make Africa proud. They face the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
DR Congo will take on England, Ghana go head to head with Colombia, South Africa play Canada, Cape Verde have been drawn with holders Argentina, and Belgium face Senegal.
Cote d’Ivoire play Norway, while Egypt are up against Australia.
“Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire and maybe Algeria have the ability to go far in the tournament,” Adebari said.
Because of the impressive outing by Africa in North Africa, there have been calls for even more slots to be given to the continent at the World Cup.
Adebari said: “Some might say it would be too early to say more African teams should be present in 2030.
“But from what we have witnessed so far, I personally think having more African teams will be good for the purpose of elite competition.
“I believe more people will be convinced at the end of this current tournament.”
(Daily Post)
