Africa’s nine qualified nations will learn their 2026 FIFA World Cup group opponents tonight as the historic 48-team tournament draw takes place at the Kennedy Center starting at 7:00 PM CAT (5:00 PM GMT).
The expanded format — co-hosted by Canada, United States, and Mexico from June 11 to July 18, 2026 — offers the continent its best-ever chance at deep runs, with no African team facing another in the group stage due to FIFA’s geographic separation rule.
Africa’s Representatives
Morocco
Senegal
Algeria
Tunisia
Egypt
Côte d’Ivoire
Ghana
Cape Verde
South Africa
All secured automatic qualification by topping their CAF groups.
Draw Pots: Where Africa Stands
Pot 2 (Favorable):
Morocco, Senegal
Pot 3 (Competitive):
Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa
Pot 4 (Toughest Path):
Ghana, Cape Verde
Pot 1 Powerhouses (Guaranteed in Every Group)
France
Canada (host)
Mexico (host)
United States (host)
Spain
Argentina
England
Brazil
Portugal
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany
Format & Rules
12 groups of 4
Top 2 + 8 best 3rd-placed teams advance to Round of 32
No two teams from same confederation in same group (except UEFA: max 2)
Hosts fixed: Canada (A1), Mexico (B1), USA (D1)
Six Spots Still Open
4 from UEFA Play-offs (Italy, Turkey, Poland, etc.)
2 from Intercontinental Play-offs (Jamaica, DR Congo, etc.)
Africa’s Rising Momentum
Morocco’s 2022 semi-final remains the benchmark
Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia have history of giant-killing
Algeria & Côte d’Ivoire boast European-based talent
Tonight’s draw will set the stage for what many predict could be Africa’s strongest World Cup showing ever
