Africa – First day of the 2026 World Cup: 2 victories, 4 draws and 4 defeats

Africa has never been so strongly represented in a World Cup. With ten selections competing in this 2026 edition organized in North America, the continent has a unique opportunity to confirm its rise to power on the international scene. After the quarter-finals of Cameroon in 1990, those of Senegal in 2002 and the historic semi-final of Morocco in 2022, a question now animates observers: is Africa ready to reach a world final?

Since the tournament kicked off on June 11, 2026, African representatives have sent several positive signals. As part of the matches of the first day, Morocco held Brazil to a defeat (1-1), Ivory Coast won against Ecuador (1-0), Ghana dominated Panama (1-0), while Cape Verde resisted to Spain (0-0). Egypt achieved a promising draw against Belgium (1-1) and the Democratic Republic of Congo shared the points with Portugal (1-1). Despite the defeats of Tunisia against Sweden (5-1), Algeria against Argentina (3-0), Senegal against France (3-1), the performance of the Lions of Teranga attracted attention.

“For me, these are rather encouraging performances. We see Morocco which drew against the great Brazil. And how we see the Ivory Coast which won Senegal which certainly lost against France but which had a first half with lots of promise. And then he is the African champion. I think they will know if we want it and then there is South Africa which is a little overlooked. Against Mexico in the opening match. But it remains an opening match. There are still too many issues at stake and I am sure they will come back. All these elements give me hope for the future and I think that Africa will go even further than during the World Cup in Qatar.

Désiré Segbe AzankpoÂ, International footballer, sports consultant – Bénin

For many observers, this confidence is based on the progress made by African football in recent decades. With ten selections involved in this 2026 World Cup, the continent has more possibilities of seeing several of its representatives reach the direct elimination phases, scheduled for June 28 to July 19, 2026. This progression is also based on the improvement of sports infrastructure, the professionalization of national federations and the growing presence of African players in the biggest European championships. Among the most anticipated teams are Morocco, Ivory Coast and Senegal, three selections which combine international experience, sporting stability and squads capable of competing with the best nations on the planet.

“The favorites are Morocco first. I’m talking about Morocco in first position, firstly because of the infrastructure and others, what they have done and their performance also during the recent World Cup and African Cup of Nations, they are finalists. Then, Senegal, Senegal because the reigning champion team, Senegal, will really want to show that yes, its title and its title is deserved and not at the level of the TAS that its title is deserved on the field. We must also not forget the Ivory Coast which also got off to a good start with a first victory during this first day of the World Cup.

Pérez Lekotan , Sports journalist – Bénin

With ten selections qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Africa intends to capitalize on the legacy left by Cameroon, quarter-finalist in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Morocco, semi-finalist, in 2022 to reach a new level.