Written with the help of artificial-intelligence tools and checked by automated controls.
With nine months to go until kick-off, the 2026 World Cup marks a historic milestone for world football with the expansion to 48 teams. Whilst this development is symbolic for many emerging nations, it raises questions about the practical realities facing African teams, which have historically faced structural challenges in reaching the knockout stages of a World Cup. Whilst the performances of the continent’s teams in the round of 16 remain to be seen, past experience reveals recurring patterns: tense qualifying campaigns, but knockout stages all too often marred by technical or psychological limitations when facing the continent’s giants.
Africa, the fourth-most successful continent in terms of World Cup qualification, has given Spain, Argentina and England a run for their money on numerous occasions, but has rarely made it past the quarter-finals. The rare successes, such as those of Nigeria in 1994 or Côte d’Ivoire in 2014, remain the exception. The 48-team format, introduced in 2026, could theoretically offer African teams more opportunities by reducing the number of knockout matches. However, this does not guarantee an improvement in quality. National teams, often hampered by unevenly developed infrastructure, fragmented professional leagues and a lack of continuity between generations, are likely to remain vulnerable against teams firmly established within a globalised system.
The rare successes, such as those of Nigeria in 1994 or Côte d’Ivoire in 2014, remain the exception.
Morocco, champions of the Sahel in 2022 after reaching the quarter-finals of the African World Cup, embodies the hope of a rise to prominence. Their campaign in 2022 demonstrated tactical solidity and remarkable resilience, but the transition between generations and preparation for a World Cup on such a diverse continent remain challenges. Other African nations, such as Egypt, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, will also need to bring in young talent whilst maintaining a competitive standard. The rise of national leagues, such as those in Morocco and Egypt, could act as a catalyst, but remains fragile without long-term investment.
The round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup could therefore mark a turning point or confirm the limitations of a continent still searching for its identity in international football. Matches against teams such as Spain, France or the United States – the tournament hosts – will require rapid adaptation to modern demands: high-intensity pressing, effective management of possession and efficiency in transitions. Mistakes in play, tactical misjudgements or defensive misalignments, as seen in previous tournaments, could prove to be factors leading to elimination.
Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup will offer African national teams a unique opportunity to make their mark on the world stage. But success will depend not only on their sporting ability, but also on their capacity to make the most of the opportunities offered by an expanding tournament format. The coming months will reveal whether this era of renaissance for African football will remain a dream or become a reality.