Three African Teams That Stand On Brink Of World Cup History

Three African Teams That Stand on the Brink of World Cup History

While Europe may only just be getting its qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, the road from Africa to North America has been ongoing for some time now. And next summer's showpiece offers an unprecedented opportunity for the team's continent to shine on the grandest stage for the first time.

The grandest stage that the beautiful game has to offer will see its number of participants increase from 32 to 48 next year, resulting in almost twice as many games being played and a bucket load of extra cash for FIFA itself. But while world football's governing body lines its pockets even further, some of Africa's outsiders have an opportunity like never before. The CAF region benefits from the tournament expansion more than any other, with the number of teams from the region heading to the World Cup doubled from five to ten.

Even so, online gambling sites still make the familiar faces the frontrunners for glory. The latest online gambling at Bovada currently makes Spain, France, and Brazil the joint +600 favorites to lift the trophy at MetLife Stadium next July, with England narrowly behind them at +675. But certain African hopefuls are just aiming to reach the tournament rather than winning it outright.

Sudan

Sudan never qualified for a World Cup, but their current qualifying campaign suggests they may be on the verge of a historic breakthrough. Sitting atop Group B with 10 points from four matches, the Falcons of Jediane have stunned their rivals. A 1-1 draw at home to Togo in their opening set the ball rolling, and since then, they have reeled off three straight victories, with the latest being a 3-0 drubbing of rivals South Sudan.

Their success has been built off the back of a staunch defense that has conceded just once throughout their first four games, showing just how meticulously organized they’ve been under Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah. The experience of former Peterborough United and Milton Keynes Dons striker Mo Eisa has also been crucial. He netted in the opener against the Togolese, and he continues to lead the line by example.

While their past struggles in qualification have been overshadowed by financial difficulties and substandard infrastructure, Sudan now finds their golden opportunity. They do have to somehow find a way to navigate home and away fixtures against the heavyweight Senegal, but if they can somehow come through those clashes unscathed, then history beckons.

Rwanda

Rwanda’s football story has mostly been one of pain and they have struggled to put together a half-decent team for years. Frustrations have been evident, but the 2026 World Cup qualifiers have seen the Wasps buzzing with intent.

Tied on seven points with Benin and South Africa but ahead on goal difference, they sit at the summit of Group C – an unexpected position for a side ranked 139th in the world before the campaign began. Much like the aforementioned Sudan, defense has been the order of business, also conceding just once throughout their first four games. The American-based duo of Innocent Nshuti and Jojea Kwizera have been a welcome addition to the international fold, with the latter scoring the opener in a statement-making 2-0 victory against Bafana Bafana last time out.

Historically, Rwanda has struggled to overcome Africa’s football powerhouses. Their closest attempt came during the qualification stages for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they finished third in their group. If they are to reach the tournament this time around, they will have to find a way past Nigeria. However, the Super Eagles are without a win in their first four games, and Rwanda may well be in a prime position to take advantage of any potential slip-ups.

Comoros

For Comoros, the 2026 qualifiers have turned into a Cinderella story. The tiny island nation took the footballing world by storm back in 2021 when they not only qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time ever but also progressed to the round of 16, eliminating Ghana in the process. Now, they are aiming to go one better by playing on the grandest stage for the first time, and once again, they have been drawn against the Black Stars.

The two sides are currently level on points in Group I, but it is Comoros who tops the pile on goal difference. They have once again proven to be a thorn in their more illustrious, unexpected rivals' side, beating Ghana 1-0 in their second qualifier thanks to Saudi-based Myziane Maolida's goal on the stroke of halftime. Now, they have their sights set on upsetting them even further.

Even without any real footballing history to shout about, commitment to development and grassroots efforts is bearing fruit. The majority of their squad is French-born, with both Zaydou Youssouf and Warmed Omaru proving to be a class above.

But it's the aforementioned midfielder Maolida who has been the shining light, and his three-goal haul in the qualifiers thus far has transformed their midfield into an attacking force. Whether that is enough to propel them to the World Cup for the first time, though, remains to be seen.