Africa’s representatives have made an encouraging start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns, collecting valuable results and demonstrating that the continent’s teams are ready to compete with the world’s best.
Morocco delivered arguably the most impressive performance among the African sides so far, holding five-time world champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in a captivating Group C encounter. Africa’s highest-ranked nation and seventh in the FIFA World Rankings, the Atlas Lions once again showed why they are regarded among the tournament’s most dangerous outsiders.
Morocco took a deserved lead midway through the first half when Ismael Saibari finished off a well-worked move after being released by Brahim Diaz. The North Africans controlled large portions of the opening period and consistently threatened Brazil’s defence. However, a moment of quality from Vinicius Junior restored parity before halftime. Morocco remained dangerous throughout and could easily have claimed all three points, underlining their credentials as genuine contenders to progress from the group and potentially make another deep run at the World Cup.
Côte d’Ivoire also began their campaign positively, edging Ecuador 1-0 in a tightly contested Group E match. The encounter produced numerous chances at both ends, with Ecuador striking the woodwork three times while the Ivorians also came close on several occasions.
As the match appeared destined for a goalless draw, Amad Diallo emerged as the hero, scoring a dramatic winner in the 90th minute to hand the Elephants a priceless victory. The result places Côte d’Ivoire in a strong early position ahead of a difficult upcoming clash against Germany.
Tunisia endured a difficult opening outing after suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in Group F. Despite showing resilience and briefly reducing the deficit through Omar Rekik just before halftime, the Carthage Eagles struggled to contain a relentless Swedish attack.
Yasin Ayari starred with two goals as Sweden capitalised on defensive errors and dominated proceedings, leaving Tunisia with work to do in their remaining group matches if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Attention now turns to Africa’s remaining representatives, who begin their campaigns tonight. Tournament debutants Cape Verde face a stern examination against Spain at 7:00 pm EAT, while Egypt take on Belgium at 10:00 pm EAT in another highly anticipated fixture.
Defending African champions Senegal, along with Algeria, Ghana, DR Congo and South Africa, are also set to begin their World Cup journeys in the coming days as Africa looks to build on an encouraging start to the tournament.
With a win, a draw and a defeat from the opening matches, Africa’s World Cup journey is underway, and early signs suggest the continent’s teams are capable of making if not bettering last edition performance where Morocco reached World Cup Semis.
