While former Senegal striker El Hadji Diouf shares the optimism of CAF president Patrice Motsepe, Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha has urged caution, warning that other regions are evolving just as quickly.
The debate comes four years after Morocco national football team made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals. Morocco stunned heavyweights Spain and Portugal before eventually losing to France, a run that transformed global perceptions of African football.
With the expanded 48-team tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026, expectations are now higher than ever for Africa’s representatives.
Diouf believes the time has come.
“Why not?” the former Liverpool forward said when asked if an African captain could lift the World Cup trophy in 2026.
Pointing to Senegal’s squad depth and star quality, Diouf insisted African teams no longer fear the traditional powers of world football.
“Take my own country. We have amazing players like Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gueye and Edouard Mendy,” he said.
“They can match stars from any country. The 2026 World Cup — Africa is going there to win the tournament.”
CAF president Motsepe echoed that confidence, saying Morocco’s performance in Qatar changed the mentality of African football entirely.
“What we lacked in the past was self-belief,” Motsepe said.
“Morocco changed that in Qatar four years ago. We can match the best in the world.”
The South African football administrator added that he remains determined to witness an African nation become world champions during his tenure.
“I will work relentlessly until I see the captain of an African nation lifting the greatest football prize,” he declared.
Okocha Urges Realism Despite Africa’s Progress
Despite the growing optimism, Okocha is not fully convinced Africa is ready to dominate world football just yet.
The Nigerian legend, who dazzled fans during the 1994 World Cup in the United States, said the global football landscape has become far more competitive.
“Regarding the 2026 tournament, I am concerned about the chances of an African team going all the way,” Okocha admitted.
He warned that many discussions focus heavily on Europe and South America while overlooking rapid improvements elsewhere.
“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.”
Still, the former Super Eagles captain remains hopeful Africa can produce another shock.
“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 Viewed as Africa’s Strongest Contenders
Among the continent’s 10 qualified nations, Morocco and Senegal are widely considered Africa’s best chances of making a deep run in 2026.
Morocco, captained by Achraf Hakimi, have been drawn into a difficult Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. However, many analysts still expect the Atlas Lions to progress beyond the group stage based on their recent performances and tactical discipline.
Senegal, meanwhile, face an even more complicated challenge in Group I against France, Norway and Iraq.
The matchup against France carries emotional significance for Senegalese football fans. Senegal famously stunned defending champions France 1-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan — one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.
Current Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was part of that historic squad and believes another surprise may be possible.
“That is history,” Thiaw said.
“We know the current French team well. It is going to be a special match and let us hope we win again.”
Egypt and Tunisia Keep Expectations Modest
Elsewhere across the continent, some coaches are choosing caution over bold predictions.
Hossam Hassan, now coaching Egypt, admitted the challenge ahead remains enormous despite growing ambition within his squad.
“Reaching the World Cup is complicated and playing there is even harder,” Hassan said.
Egypt, Africa’s most successful nation at AFCON level with seven continental titles, have still never won a match at the World Cup despite previous appearances.
Similarly, Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi downplayed expectations of repeating Morocco’s fairy-tale run from Qatar.
“I am not going to tell stories by pretending we will repeat what Morocco did in 2022,” Lamouchi said.
“But who knows, maybe one day.”
Africa’s Representatives for 2026
The continent’s qualified nations for the expanded 2026 World Cup are:
- Algeria national football team
- Cape Verde national football team
- DR Congo national football team
- Egypt national football team
- Ghana national football team
- Ivory Coast national football team
- Morocco national football team
- Senegal national football team
- South Africa national football team
- Tunisia national football team
As anticipation builds toward 2026, one question continues to dominate African football discussions: can Morocco’s historic run be surpassed, or was Qatar a once-in-a-generation moment?
For now, the continent remains divided between belief and caution — but united in hope.