Cape Verde and Ghana Bounce Back, Qualify for 2026 World Cup
Cape Verde and Ghana have gone from heartbreak to jubilation after securing their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Just months ago, both countries failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — a major disappointment for fans. But that pain has quickly turned to pride as they now join Africa’s elite heading to the global stage next year.
Alongside Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia, they complete the list of nine African teams that have automatically qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament. Meanwhile, Cameroon, Gabon, DR Congo, and Nigeria will battle in a mini-tournament in November for a chance to reach the intercontinental play-offs in March — where two extra World Cup slots will be decided.
Cape Verde: Small Nation, Big Dreams
Cape Verde coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito summed it up perfectly:
“We have earned respect in Africa, now we must earn respect in the world.”
The island nation of just 550,000 people became the smallest country by land mass to ever qualify for the World Cup. After a shaky start — including a 4-1 loss to Cameroon — the Blue Sharks bounced back with an unbeaten run of seven matches to top Group D.
Their hero, Dailon Livramento, a 24-year-old striker on loan at Casa Pia from Verona, scored four crucial goals — including a stunning solo strike to seal victory against Cameroon at home.
South Africa’s Close Call
For the first time since 2010, South Africa will return to the World Cup. But it wasn’t easy. Bafana Bafana narrowly edged out Nigeria by a single point in Group C, despite once holding a five-point lead in September.
The standout performer was Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates, who scored one and set up two goals in their decisive 3-0 win over Rwanda — a result that sealed their place at the finals.
Ghana’s Redemption
After missing out on AFCON, Ghana bounced back to win Group I, finishing six points clear of Madagascar. A key moment came in June 2024, when captain Jordan Ayew scored a stoppage-time winner to beat group favourites Mali 2-1 in Bamako — a victory that changed their fortunes.
For Ghana, this marks a return to familiar territory. The Black Stars have appeared in four World Cups, famously reaching the quarter-finals in 2010, but also facing controversy in 2014 when players demanded cash payments flown to Brazil.
Morocco’s Perfect Run
Morocco, Africa’s standout team from the 2022 World Cup, continued their dominance by winning all their qualifying games. The Atlas Lions benefited from hosting “away” matches against Congo Brazzaville and Niger, but their consistency was undeniable.
Led by familiar faces like Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En-Nesyri, Morocco head into 2026 as one of Africa’s strongest hopes.
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Seychelles Struggle
At the other end of the spectrum, Seychelles, the continent’s lowest-ranked team, endured a painful campaign — conceding 53 goals in 10 matches, including a record 9-0 defeat to Ivory Coast.
Known as the Pirates, the island nation also faced logistical hurdles, having to play all their “home” games abroad due to the lack of a FIFA-approved stadium.
From Cape Verde’s fairy-tale story to Ghana’s redemption and Morocco’s dominance, Africa’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been full of drama, resilience, and hope — setting the stage for what promises to be the continent’s strongest showing yet on football’s biggest stage.
