2026 World Cup: A mixed draw for Africa’s soccer powerhouses

For the nine African nations who have qualified for the World Cup, the draw is the first step in an effort to shatter the continent’s glass ceiling – reaching the tournament final, CNN reports.

Morocco will look to build on its record-setting performance in 2022, when it became the first African country to reach the semifinals. With global stars like Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri and Eliesse Ben Seghir, Morocco is arguably the strongest team in Africa and in the middle of a soccer golden era. The Atlas Lions will see themselves as favorites, alongside Brazil, to qualify for the knockout round in a group that also includes Scotland and Haiti.

Senegal, the second powerhouse in the continent right now, boasting stars like Sadio Mané and Pape Matar Sarr, has a much tougher path getting out of its group. The Lions of Teranga face France, who are among the favorites to win the entire tournament, and Norway, who, like Senegal, many consider to be among the tournament’s dark horses. The group’s final berth will go to whichever team claims the spot from FIFA Playoffs Tournament 2.

Sadio Mané and Senegal were put in a difficult group led by European giant France.
Senegal is among the four African nations to have ever reached the quarterfinals.

Some other African nations will like their chances at the tournament after today’s draw.

Algeria, for example, will face holder Argentina, but won’t fear matchups against Austria and Jordan. Ghana has powerhouse England in its group but will see Panama and Croatia as beatable. Ivory Coast will think it can finish second in a group with Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao.

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