The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated the nine African nations that have qualified for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, describing their achievement as a source of continental pride and a sign of Africa’s growing influence in global football.
The nine teams — Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Cape Verde, and Ivory Coast — will represent Africa at the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“I warmly congratulate our nine African teams whose outstanding performances have brought pride and joy to the entire continent,” Youssouf said in a statement from the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.
“Their success demonstrates Africa’s growing strength, skill, and unity on the global stage.”
Youssouf commended all African countries that participated in the qualifiers for their passion and determination, noting that their involvement continues to inspire millions of young Africans.
“All our teams played with commitment and sportsmanship — values that define Africa’s spirit and potential,” he said.
The AU Chairperson also praised FIFA’s decision to expand Africa’s World Cup slots from five to nine, calling it “a well-deserved recognition of the continent’s football progress and diversity.”
However, not all nations shared in the celebration. Uganda was among the teams that failed to qualify after a challenging qualification campaign that saw the Uganda Cranes struggle to maintain consistency in a competitive group.
Despite flashes of promise and a youthful squad, Uganda fell short of securing a coveted World Cup spot.
Analysts say Uganda’s failure highlights the need for greater investment in player development, stronger domestic leagues, and long-term strategic planning to boost competitiveness at the continental level.
Youssouf concluded by reaffirming the African Union’s belief in sport as a unifying force across the continent.
“Sport remains one of the most powerful instruments of unity and solidarity. Through football, Africa continues to tell its story of resilience, creativity, and shared aspiration for excellence,” he said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic moment for African football, offering the continent its largest-ever representation and renewed hope that an African nation could advance further than ever before on the world stage.
