Africa’s 2026 World Cup campaign is already ablaze with drama after a blockbuster draw in Washington paired the continent’s top contenders with some of world football’s biggest giants. Fans across the continent gasped as the balls revealed a set of mouth-watering fixtures—each loaded with history, rivalry, and opportunity.
🟩 SOUTH AFRICA VS MEXICO — A REMATCH 14 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Returning to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, South Africa will open the entire tournament against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11. The tie instantly evokes memories of 2010 when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderbolt shook the continent.
But Bafana must navigate a tricky group featuring:
- Mexico
- South Korea
- UEFA Playoff Winner (Denmark, Czechia, North Macedonia or Ireland)
Hugo Broos’ side—fresh off eliminating Nigeria in the qualifiers—will see the decisive fixture come against South Korea in Guadalupe.
🟥 MOROCCO VS BRAZIL — A BLOCKBUSTER OPENER FOR THE CONTINENT’S PRIDE
Morocco, Africa’s first-ever semifinalists in 2022, have drawn five-time champions Brazil, setting up the group’s most glamorous matchup on June 13.
Their group includes:
- Brazil
- Scotland
- Haiti
There were audible gasps in the hall when the pairing was announced, a nostalgic echo of the 1998 World Cup group that featured the same nations. Morocco famously beat Scotland 3–0 in Saint-Étienne — one of their all-time great World Cup performances.
With Morocco now in Pot Two—the highest seeding an African team has ever held—they enter with confidence and continental expectations.
🦁 SENEGAL VS FRANCE — 2002 REVISITED
Senegal’s draw evokes one of the most iconic matches in African football history: their 1–0 victory over defending champions France in 2002. This time, the Teranga Lions face the 2018 world champions again in Group I.
Their group includes:
- France
- Norway
- Intercontinental Playoff Winner (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname)
Head coach Pape Thiaw will seek to channel the spirit of 2002 as Senegal aim for another deep run after reaching the Round of 16 in 2022.
🟧 IVORY COAST, EGYPT, GHANA, ALGERIA, TUNISIA—TOUGH BUT NAVIGABLE PATHS
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast
Group opponents:
- Germany
- Ecuador
- Curaçao
A tough, physical group but not impossible for the AFCON champions.
🇪🇬 Egypt
Group opponents:
- Belgium
- Iran
- New Zealand
Egypt will quietly fancy their chances of progressing.
🇩🇿 Algeria
Group opponents:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Jordan
A brutal opener against the reigning champions.
🇹🇳 Tunisia
Group opponents:
- Netherlands
- Japan
- European Playoff Winner
Perhaps Africa’s most technically demanding group.
🇬🇭 Ghana
Group opponents:
- England
- Croatia
- Panama
A daunting path as the Black Stars seek knockout qualification for the first time since 2010.
🟦 CAPE VERDE & DR CONGO — EMERGING STORIES TO WATCH
Cape Verde, in their first-ever World Cup, get a glamorous showdown with Spain but must survive Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
DR Congo must qualify through the Inter-confederation Playoff, where they face Jamaica and New Caledonia. If they advance, Cristiano Ronaldo awaits in Group K—another blockbuster.
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