WASHINGTON, D.C., United States — The path to glory for Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been charted, following a draw ceremony in Washington that served up a series of nostalgic rematches and high-stakes openers.
In a twist of fate, South Africa and Mexico are set to recreate the magic of the 2010 tournament opener.
The two nations will kick off the 2026 edition on June 11 at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Group A: Bafana Bafana’s return
Returning to the global stage for the first time since hosting the event in 2010, South Africa was drawn into Group A.
The opening clash against the hosts revives memories of Siphiwe Tshabalala’s sensational goal that launched the only World Cup ever held on African soil.
Beyond the glamour of the opener, the draw presents a demanding challenge for head coach Hugo Broos and his squad.
As they aim to reach the knockout stages for the first time, Bafana Bafana must also navigate fixtures against South Korea and the winner of UEFA Playoff D (which will be one of Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or the Republic of Ireland).
Broos, who took charge in 2021, has instilled resilience in the team, leading them to a third-place finish at the last AFCON and outpacing Nigeria in qualifying.
Their final group game against South Korea in Guadalupe is expected to be pivotal for their progression to the last 32.
Pot Two giants: Morocco and Senegal
For the first time in history, an African nation entered the draw in Pot Two. Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, were rewarded with a blockbuster Group C opener against five-time winners Brazil on June 13.
The draw drew audible gasps at the Kennedy Center as the Atlas Lions were also paired with Scotland, setting up a rematch of their memorable 1998 group-stage encounter in Saint-Etienne, which Morocco won 3-0. Haiti completes the group.
Senegal, also placed in Pot Two, was drawn into Group I alongside 2018 champions France. This fixture immediately brings to mind the Teranga Lions’ legendary 1-0 victory over France in the 2002 tournament opener, one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
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Senegal will also face Norway and an Intercontinental playoff winner (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname) in what promises to be a competitive group.
The rest of the continent
- Cote d’Ivoire: The African champions face a stern test in their bid to reach the knockouts for the first time, drawn against Germany, Ecuador, and Curacao.
- Egypt: The Pharaohs will fancy their chances of progression in a group featuring Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.
- Algeria: The Desert Foxes face a daunting task against reigning world champions Argentina, as well as Austria and Jordan.
- Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles will battle the Netherlands, Japan, and a European playoff qualifier (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania).
- Ghana: The Black Stars face a particularly difficult route, drawn against European heavyweights England and Croatia, along with Panama.
- Cape Verde: Making their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks face a “baptism of fire” against Spain, Uruguay, and Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia.
The playoff hopeful
The Democratic Republic of Congo is aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
However, they must first navigate the FIFA Inter-confederation playoff in March against Jamaica and New Caledonia.
Should the Leopards prevail, they will land in Group K for an opener against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
