Africa’s 2026 World Cup Hopes: Okocha Unsure, Diouf Says ‘Why Not?’

Nigeria great Jay-Jay Okocha doubts Africa’s chances at the 2026 World Cup

With 10 African nations qualified, Okocha and Diouf disagree on whether any can win the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

African legends split on whether the continent can go further than Morocco’s 2022 semi-final run at the 48-team World Cup in North America...

Former Senegal forward El Hadji Diouf agrees with CAF president Patrick Motsepe that an African side could win the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha isn’t so sure.

Morocco shocked Spain and Portugal on the way to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago before losing to France.

With the U.S., Canada and Mexico set to co-host a 48-team tournament, the question is whether Africa can push further next summer, or if 2022 was a one-off.

When reporters asked if an African captain could lift the trophy near New York on July 19, Diouf’s answer was simple: “Why not?”

“Take my own country. We have amazing players like Sadio (Mane), Idrissa (Gueye) and Edouard (Mendy).

“They can match stars from any country. The 2026 World Cup - Africa is going there to win the tournament.”

Motsepe is a 64-year-old South African billionaire who moved from being chairman of 2016 African club champions Mamelodi Sundowns to leading CAF. He shares the same view as Diouf.

“We are confident that the 10 African national teams at the 2026 World Cup will make us proud and that an African nation will be champions.

“What we lacked in the past was self belief. Morocco changed that in Qatar four years ago. We can match the best in the world.

“I will work relentlessly until I see the captain of an African nation lifting the greatest football prize,” he said.

Midfield star Okocha played for Nigeria at multiple World Cups, including the 1994 edition held in the United States.

“My abiding memory of 1994 was the amazing atmosphere. Add the fact that it was the first World Cup appearance by Nigeria and it was special,” he told reporters.

“Regarding the 2026 tournament, I am concerned about the chances of an African team going all the way.

“We talk a lot about the title contenders from Europe and South America, but what about the North Americans and Asians? They are improving rapidly.

“I will be very happy to be proven wrong. African footballers have shocked the world before. Let us hope it happens again.”

Morocco and Senegal Lead Africa’s Hopes

Most players, coaches and officials across Africa believe Morocco and Senegal are the two strongest teams among the continent’s 10 World Cup qualifiers.

The greatest show in the world is ready. Are you? 🏆#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ISxLhuLUkm

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2026

Senegal defeated Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. CAF later reversed the result after Morocco appealed, citing a brief walk-off by some Senegal players during a penalty dispute.

Senegal responded by taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They are now waiting for CAS to deliver its verdict.

Morocco face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti

Morocco, captained by Achraf Hakimi, are in Group C alongside record five-time world champions Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. The Atlas Lions will likely be expected to finish at least second in the group.

  

Senegal will take on France, Norway and Iraq in Group I, which is seen as one of the hardest of the 12 mini-leagues.

 

🇸🇳🇫🇷 Nous sommes à J-30 des retrouvailles entre le Sénégal et la France.

L’occasion parfaite pour replonger dans le passé et revivre en images la seule et unique rencontre disputée entre les deux nations, en 2002. ✨

Racontez-nous votre meilleur souvenir de ce match 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/a1D5yLtQIx

— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) May 16, 2026

Teranga Lions coach Pape Thiaw was a substitute when Senegal shocked defending champions France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup in Seoul.  

“That (2002) is history. We know the current French team well. It is going to be a special match and let us hope we win again,” he said in Dakar.

While many Africans are dreaming of winning the World Cup, some coaches from the continent have more modest goals for now.

“Reaching the World Cup is complicated and playing there is even harder,” Egypt coach and former star Hossam Hassan told reporters in Cairo.

“However, I see great ambition in my players. They want to achieve more than what Egypt did in the past.”

Egypt played in their first World Cup 92 years ago and have qualified only twice since then. Despite being seven-time African champions, they are still looking for their first win at the tournament.

Recently appointed Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi spoke plainly about his country’s World Cup record. Tunisia have qualified six times but have gone out in the group stage on every occasion.

“I am not going to tell stories by pretending we will repeat what Morocco did in 2022. But who knows, maybe one day,” he told the Tunisian media.

The 10 African teams at the 2026 World Cup are Algeria, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.