Following the qualification of DR Congo in the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica (1-0 after extra time), Africa will have ten representatives at the 2026 World Cup for the first time. The tournament will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
With the World Cup expanding from 32 to 48 teams, Africa now has nine guaranteed spots, plus a tenth through the intercontinental playoffs. Let’s take a look at the African nations that have qualified.
DR Congo, the last ticket secured
Fifty-two years after their only World Cup appearance in 1974, DR Congo is back on the biggest stage. The Leopards fought hard for their qualification. Initially trailing Senegal in the group stage, they bounced back by defeating Cameroon and then Nigeria in the African playoffs.
The Congolese sealed their ticket with a tense intercontinental playoff win against Jamaica (1-0 after extra time) on March 31, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico. The decisive goal was scored by Axel Tuanzebe.
Morocco, the first African qualifier
After their historic run to the semifinals in the 2022 World Cup, Morocco was the first African nation to secure its spot for 2026. In a group reduced to five teams, the Atlas Lions dominated, winning all their matches and qualifying as early as September 2025 after five games.
Tunisia stays true to the occasion
Present in the last two editions, Tunisia will play in its seventh World Cup in 2026. The Carthage Eagles had an almost perfect run, with nine wins in ten matches and no goals conceded. Their qualification was confirmed in September 2025 with a decisive victory over Equatorial Guinea.
Egypt makes a comeback
After missing out in 2022, Egypt returns to the world stage. Led by Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs dominated their group with eight wins in ten matches. Their qualification was officially confirmed in October 2025 after a victory against Djibouti.
Algeria, a long-awaited return
Absent since 2014, Algeria is back at the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2022. Despite some turbulence, including a change of coach, the Fennecs had a solid campaign with eight wins in ten matches. Their qualification was secured after a win against Somalia.
Ghana keeps rolling
Already present in 2022, Ghana will compete in its second consecutive World Cup. Despite a rocky start, the Black Stars responded well, winning crucial matches to secure their qualification on the final matchday.
Historic first for Cape Verde
Cape Verde will experience its very first World Cup. The Blue Sharks surprised everyone by finishing ahead of Cameroon in their group, before confirming their qualification with a stunning victory on the final matchday.
South Africa makes the cut
Initially leading their group, South Africa faced some administrative complications but ultimately secured their ticket for 2026. This will be their first World Cup since 2010, the year the country hosted the tournament.
Ivory Coast is Back
After missing out on two editions, Ivory Coast is back at the World Cup. The reigning African champions had a flawless run, finishing top of their group without a single defeat or goal conceded.
Senegal Confirms
After a strong showing in 2022 (reaching the Round of 16), Senegal will participate in their third consecutive World Cup. Despite dropping a few points during the qualifiers, the Lions made the difference in key matches to finish first in their group.
The 10 African Countries Qualified for the 2026 World Cup
- South Africa
- Algeria
- Cape Verde
- Ivory Coast
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Morocco
- DR Congo
- Senegal
- Tunisia
