Africa ready as World Cup groups set

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The full line-up and group-stage draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed, with the expanded 48-team tournament set to begin on 11 June across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Africa has a strong presence, with 10 nations qualifying. South Africa return to the global stage for the first time in 16 years and will open their campaign against Mexico in Group A. Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Algeria also headline a competitive African contingent, alongside Ghana, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and DR Congo.

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The tournament will feature 12 groups of four teams, with the top two in each group and the eight best third-placed sides advancing to the round of 32.

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic

Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Several nations will make their World Cup debuts, including Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, while DR Congo return after a 52-year absence.

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The expanded format increases the number of matches to 104, with the final set for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Despite the excitement, there are notable absentees. Italy have failed to qualify again, extending their absence from the tournament to over a decade, having last appeared in 2014. Sweden, Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina were among the European sides to secure late qualification, but as four time winners, Italy’s absence remains the standout storyline.

For African teams, the focus now shifts to preparation. With favourable group placements for several sides, there is a clear opportunity to advance beyond the group stage and challenge deeper into the tournament.

Photo: REUTERS/Eloisa Sanchez

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Dylan Johnson