The 23rd edition of the 2026 World Cup left a feeling of incompleteness for African teams. For the first time in the history of the competition, ten nations from the continent reached the final stage, a record that showcases the progress of African football on the international scene. However, despite this historic representation and the many hopes raised before the tournament began, no team managed to reach the semifinals. This outcome sparked reactions from several observers, including journalist and sports consultant Nabil Djellit, who did not hide his disappointment.
In an interview with EvenprodMédia, Nabil Djellit expressed that expectations were much higher for African representatives. He believes several teams had the qualities needed to take a step forward and write a new chapter in the history of African football. In the end, only Morocco reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by France, while Cape Verde also made an impression by reaching the Round of 16 in its first appearance at this level.
For the consultant, these two teams represent the main successes for Africa in the tournament. On the other hand, other major nations from the continent did not meet expectations despite having quality squads and high ambitions. He specifically mentioned Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Egypt, which, according to him, had the means to go much further in the global competition.
“I am disappointed with Africa’s participation. It’s a mixed performance because apart from Morocco, no one made it to the quarterfinals when there were teams that could have reached that level. I think especially of Senegal, which had everything to go far, Ivory Coast, or Egypt, which could have managed the end of the match against Argentina better,” Nabil Djellit stated to EvenprodMédia.
The journalist then focused more specifically on the journey of Senegal, the African champion, which was among the most anticipated teams before the World Cup began. The Lions of Teranga impressed in the earlier stages with their intensity, collective strength, and technical richness. Many observers saw them capable of reaching at least the quarterfinals, or even pulling off a huge surprise against the great footballing nations.
However, their elimination against Belgium left many regrets. For Nabil Djellit, the Senegalese compromised their chances of continuing their journey. Despite a generally convincing performance, some details and a lack of efficiency in crucial moments cost the team dearly, even though they seemed to have all the tools to go further in this World Cup.
Nabil Djellit: “Africa’s journey in this World Cup is a mixed one (…) Senegal really wasted a unique opportunity to reach the semifinals, it’s a complete team” https://t.co/Vw3jykDvn4 pic.twitter.com/B7x7kTtOUU
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) July 15, 2026
“Senegal really wasted a unique opportunity to reach the semifinals. It’s a complete team of very good quality with an enormous pool of talent. This team had the ingredients to trouble any major team in the world because it has intensity, power, and players who perform at a high level,” the consultant emphasized.
Despite this frustrating elimination, Nabil Djellit remains convinced that Senegal has one of the most competitive squads on the continent. With players competing in the top European leagues, a strong playing identity, and a promising new generation, the Lions still have considerable potential. For the journalist, this World Cup campaign should serve as a lesson so that Senegal can now turn its immense potential into results in the upcoming major international competitions.
