Accra: Ten African countries have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the continent prepares to compete for glory in the tournament. The Democratic Republic of Congo became the latest team to qualify after defeating Jamaica in the continental play-offs on March 31, 2026. The Leopards clinched the final slot with a 1-0 extra-time win over the Jamaicans, joining the nine already qualified teams for the Mundial in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This qualification marks a historic moment, as DR Congo returns to the tournament for the first time since 1974.
According to Ghana Web, the nine teams that had already qualified are Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, C´te d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, and South Africa. There are high hopes for the Atlas Lions of Morocco after they made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to achieve that feat. However, their head coach at the time, Walid Regragui, has since resigned following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars of Ghana are on a journey of redemption after their poor showing in the 2022 edition, which contributed to the dismissal of Otto Addo. AFCON champions Senegal will also be closely monitored in terms of their performances and how far they progress in the tournament.