News Focus
- Morocco’s historic semi-final run in 2022 has inspired the entire continent.
- Nine African teams will compete at the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America.
- Investment in youth academies and grassroots programmes remains crucial for success.
- Nations are strengthening squads by recruiting players from the diaspora.
- The new 48-team format offers more chances for African sides to gain experience.
Sunday Oliseh has one major dream. The former Nigeria captain wants to see an African nation win the World Cup. Oliseh helped his country win Olympic gold in 1996. However, he is still waiting for an African team to lift the biggest trophy in football.
The World Cup started in 1930. Since then, 49 African teams from 13 countries have played in the tournament. Yet only one team has reached the semi-finals. Morocco made history in Qatar in 2022. They became the first African side to get to the last four.
This result came long after Pele’s famous prediction. The Brazilian legend said in the 1970s that an African team would win the World Cup before the year 2000. That has not happened. Now the big question is when it will finally occur.
Before Morocco, three African teams reached the quarter-finals. Cameroon did it in 1990. Senegal managed it in 2002. Ghana followed in 2010. Morocco went further by beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal.
Their success came from long-term planning. King Mohammed VI of Morocco invested heavily in football. The country opened a top academy in 2009. In 2019, they opened a training complex worth $65 million. These facilities help produce the best players.
William Troost-Ekong is a former captain of Nigeria. He says Morocco has created a perfect model. “It starts with structure and planning,” he told BBC Sport Africa. “Investment is very important. It needs support from government level.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is also helping. They have increased prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations. They are also investing in school competitions. CAF President Patrice Motsepe is confident. “An African country will be champions of the world,” he said.
Claude Le Roy is a famous coach. He has managed six African nations. He believes youth development is the answer. “You need to work with young players,” the 78-year-old said. “That is the base of everything.”
History has not been kind to African teams. Colonial rule stopped many countries from playing in early tournaments. Egypt was the only African team in the first eight World Cups. Africa even boycotted the 1966 World Cup in England.
The number of African teams has grown slowly. There was one place in 1970, 1974 and 1978. Europe had at least nine spots. South America had three. Africa got two spots in 1982. This rose to three in 1994 and five in 1998.
South Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010. Six African teams played that year. The 2026 tournament will be different. It will have 48 teams. Nine African teams will qualify automatically. DR Congo also qualified through the play-offs.
Ronwen Williams is the captain of South Africa. He will lead his team in the opening match in Mexico City. He says the 2026 World Cup will be special for Africa. “Our leagues and competitions have improved,” he said. “It is amazing to see so many countries at the highest level.”
African teams have won 37 out of 162 World Cup matches. Williams and Troost-Ekong say more teams means better chances. Two-thirds of teams will now go through the group stage. This format helps African sides gain experience.
“You need exposure to improve,” Troost-Ekong explained. “Experience is invaluable.”
Many African nations now recruit players from abroad. Some players were born in Europe but have African parents. Others trained in top European academies. This diaspora policy strengthens national teams.
Morocco has convinced several foreign-born players to join them. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was born in Canada. Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz were born in Spain. All three now play for the Atlas Lions.
DR Congo and Cape Verde also use this strategy. DR Congo has 11 players born in France. They also have players born in Belgium, Switzerland and England. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe both played for England youth teams. Now they play for DR Congo.
Gabriel Zakuani is a former DR Congo captain. He now finds players for the national team. “You have to get players to believe in your vision,” he said. He tells them they can still reach the World Cup even if they cannot play for France or England.
The success of Morocco has changed mindsets. Players now believe they can reach the semi-finals. South Africa goalkeeper Williams agrees. “What Morocco did was the start,” he said. “It starts with belief.”
Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye has a winning mentality. “I would not pack my suitcase if I did not want to win,” he said. “I do not go to the World Cup to be a tourist.”
Investment, more teams and strong belief are important. But luck is also needed. Senegal lost in 2002 because of the golden goal rule. That rule does not exist anymore.
African football is moving forward. The dream of winning the World Cup is getting closer.