World Cup 2026: Africa's new era takes shape

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a turning point for African football. With the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams, the African continent is enjoying unprecedented representation on soccer's biggest stage .

Ten African nations qualified for this year's World Cup: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde.

In last week's opening match against Mexico — one of three host nations alongside the United States and Canada — South Africa faced a huge challenge in front of one of the tournament's loudest crowds.

Though Mexico secured a 2–0 victory, Bafana Bafana, the nickname of South Africa's national football team, meaning "The Boys" in isiZulu, worked hard to move beyond their 2010 World Cup legacy.

The 2010 tournament in South Africa — the first World Cup hosted on the African continent — remains historic, despite the country becoming the first host nation to exit in the group stage.

Not all Africans rallied behind South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opening match last Thursday, though. Many backed Mexico amid lingering resentment over recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

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Cote d'Ivoire coach Emerse Fae said, "We came here with ambitions, with high hopes," after the Elephants' dramatic 1–0 win over Ecuador.