African football heads to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with more representatives than ever before.
Thanks to the expanded 48-team format, 10 African nations will be competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico, giving the continent its best-ever chance of producing another deep World Cup run. Four years ago, Morocco made history by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Can anyone go even further this time?
According to the latest Bet9ja odds, Morocco remain the team to beat, but Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Ghana will all fancy their chances of making an impact.
Let’s take a look at the leading contenders.
Morocco – 3.25
It’s no surprise to see Morocco at the top of the market.
The Atlas Lions shocked the world in Qatar by reaching the semi-finals and arguably arrive in North America with an even stronger squad. Achraf Hakimi remains one of the best full-backs in world football, while Morocco continue to benefit from a talented generation playing at the highest level across Europe.
The draw has not been particularly kind, with Brazil waiting in the group stage, but Morocco have already shown they can compete with football’s biggest nations on the grandest stage.
If any African side is capable of reaching the quarter-finals or beyond, it is probably Morocco.
Back Morocco to finish as Africa’s top-performing team at the World Cup at Bet9ja.
Senegal – 4.50
Senegal are once again expected to be among Africa’s strongest challengers.
Sadio Mane remains the face of the team, but this is no longer a one-man side. Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaila Sarr and a new generation led by Lamine Camara provide quality throughout the squad.
The concern is their group. France and Norway make life difficult from the outset, meaning Senegal could face a tougher route through the knockout stages than some of their continental rivals.
Even so, few African teams can match their blend of experience, athleticism and tournament know-how.
Ivory Coast – 6.50
The 2023 African champions could be one of the most underrated teams at the tournament.
Ivory Coast ended their long wait for AFCON glory in dramatic fashion and possess a squad packed with talent. Simon Adingra, Wilfried Singo, Evan Ndicka and Sebastien Haller give the Elephants quality in every area of the pitch.
Their biggest challenge is navigating a difficult group that includes Germany, but if they reach the knockout rounds, they have the talent to cause problems for anyone.
At 6.50, they could represent one of the more interesting bets in this market.
Back Ivory Coast to be Africa’s best-performing nation at the World Cup at Bet9ja
Egypt – 8.00
Whenever Egypt are involved, the conversation starts with Mohamed Salah.
The Liverpool superstar is preparing for what could be his final World Cup and will be desperate to leave a bigger mark than he managed in 2018. Alongside Omar Marmoush, Egypt arguably have one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking duos.
Their group also looks relatively favourable compared to some of the continent’s rivals, giving them a realistic opportunity to reach the knockout stages.
If Salah can produce his best form, Egypt could be one of the surprise packages of the tournament.
Back Egypt and Mo Salah to be Africa’s best at the World Cup at Bet9ja
The Rest of the African Field
While Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Egypt lead the betting, there are several other nations capable of making headlines.
Algeria are available at 10.00 and possess plenty of attacking quality, while Ghana can be backed at 11.00 despite having one of the most exciting squads on the continent. The Black Stars will hope players such as Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah can inspire a memorable run.
Tunisia are priced at 15.00 and bring plenty of tournament experience, while DR Congo sit at 17.00 after securing their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
South Africa return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 and are available at 20.00, while Cape Verde are the rank outsiders at 26.00 despite enjoying a remarkable rise in recent years.
Can Africa Go One Better?
Morocco’s historic semi-final run in 2022 changed perceptions of what African teams can achieve at a World Cup.
With 10 nations involved this time, the chances of another deep run feel greater than ever. Morocco remain the favourites, Senegal look capable of competing with anyone on their day, and sides like Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana all have enough quality to spring surprises.
The question now is whether an African nation can finally break through and reach a World Cup final.
