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African nations are making a strong presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with ten teams representing the continent in the expanded tournament format.

Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Algeria, Cape Verde, Tunisia, South Africa, Egypt, DR Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire are carrying the hopes of Africa as they battle for global glory.

Speaking with ZINGTIE, Sporty TV’s Senior Social Media Manager, Victor Oluwafemi, shared his assessment of the continent’s prospects at the competition.

“Off the pitch, if there were a fashion/arrival trophy, Africa already won that thanks to Congo and others bringing in the heat,” Victor Oluwafemi, the Senior Social Media Manager at Sporty TV tells ZINGTIE.

While acknowledging Africa’s growing representation, Oluwafemi expressed reservations about the possibility of surpassing the continent’s achievements from the previous World Cup.

“On the pitch, I don’t think we can equal the feat of 2022 because of the immense quality of football and competition that awaits.

“Yes, the numbers increased from five to ten. Yet, a large percentage of them might just make the numbers.

“South Africa already gave us a tip of the iceberg of what to expect from Africa. My bet is on Morocco and Senegal to reach the Round of 16.”

South Africa endured a difficult start to their campaign after suffering a 2-0 defeat against tournament co-hosts Mexico, finishing the match with only nine players on the field.

Morocco, however, delivered an impressive performance against Brazil, forcing the South Americans to settle for a 1-1 draw thanks to a decisive moment from Vinicius Junior.

Africa’s first victory at the tournament eventually arrived through Côte d’Ivoire, with Amad Diallo finding the net in stoppage time to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Ecuador.

Elsewhere, Tunisia suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Sweden.

Monday’s fixtures will also see European champions Spain face World Cup newcomers Cape Verde, while Egypt prepares for a showdown with Belgium.

Reflecting on Morocco’s performance, Oluwafemi praised the Atlas Lions for standing toe-to-toe with one of football’s biggest nations.

“The Atlas Lions delivered excellently despite a 1-1 draw,” Oluwafemi said.

“Although Mohamed Ouahbwe spent less than 120 days with the team, we knew they were no pushovers or timid when it comes to the biggest stage of football.

“They proved that a 4th place finish at the 2022 World Cup was no fluke.

“They dominated Brazil in the first 45 and even created more chances. Maybe if they had a potent no.9, results could have gone their way.

“It is not everyday you get a team that snatched possession and turned Brazil to a low block side. They once again hold Africa’s brightest chance of progressing from the group stages.

“South Africa were simply overwhelmed on the night, there was no clear plan or direction against Mexico.

“They made the Mexicans look super and unstoppable.

“Yes, there were little sparks but it didn’t just cut it. For a team that went above and beyond against Nigeria during the qualifying phase, we expected more.

“Sometimes, I feel we were expecting more from them because of the quality of their league and teams on the continent. The only consolation is their goalkeeper, he is the reason why the 2-0 scoreline flatters them.”

When asked which African nations have the best chance of advancing beyond the group stage, Oluwafemi identified four teams as strong contenders.

“I think I would add CIV and maybe Ghana to Morocco and Senegal getting out of the groups.

“Since their debut in 2006, Ghana are yet to have a bad World Cup performance going by Africa’s standard, they are the definition of a World Cup team and they have a well mixed of veterans and fresh legs. A win against Panama and a draw against Croatia can push them further.

“Senegal are in the group of death but can squeeze in via the third best losers.”

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