As of June 15, 2026, the question of which African team can go all the way in a World Cup remains a topic of debate. Morocco made history in 2022 by becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals, defeating Portugal in the quarterfinals. No other African nation has advanced past the quarterfinals in the tournament's history.
Current contenders include Senegal, who reached the round of 16 in 2022, and Nigeria, who have qualified for six World Cups. However, no African team has yet won the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature expanded slots for African teams, potentially increasing their chances.
Experts suggest that Morocco's 2022 run was built on strong defense and team cohesion, but replicating that success requires consistent investment in youth development and infrastructure. As of now, no African team has been confirmed as a favorite for the 2026 tournament.
