By Akpera Nase
As the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, gets underway, ten African representatives have instantly launched their arrival on the global soccer fiesta in commanding fashion, an indication that African teams are not participating as mere carnival sides.
VoiceSports is monitoring proceedings in Makurdi and reports that after the first round of preliminary matches, African teams have recorded two wins. The Black Stars of Ghana triumphed 1-0 over Panama to secure a vital win, and the Elephants of Ivory Coast outplayed Ecuador 1-0 to launch themselves into contention.
Furthermore, the continent’s soccer warlords secured four draws. Egypt parted 1-1 with Belgium, Morocco played a 1-1 draw with Brazil, and DR Congo shared spoils 1-1 with Portugal. The most celebrated encounter was the barren draw between World Cup debutants, the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde, and the 2010 World Cup winners Spain, which continues to linger on the lips of spectators.
Also, four countries lost their first matches. Tunisia bowed 1-5 to Sweden, Algeria lost 0-3 to Argentina, Bafana Bafana of South Africa bowed 0-2 to Mexico, and Senegal lost 1-3 to France, respectively. Going by the teams’ current situation, the favourites that could make it to the next round are Morocco, Cape Verde, DR Congo, and, of course, the Pharaohs of Egypt, if they are capable of winning their Match Day Two fixtures.
Interestingly, six out of the ten African representatives have secured a 60 percent chance of progressing. Even teams that crumbled after their opening matches could stage a surprise if they reignite the African spirit and fight for survival to make their participation felt.
