In 2022, Morocco became the first team to reach a World Cup semi-final. This year, nine other African countries will be eager to beat this record and move into the history books as finalists.
For the 2026 World Cup, a record 48 teams will take part in the group stages. This means an increased roster, and African nations are hammering down the door. A record 10 teams will take part in the competition, which hail from a continent that has slowly been improving its quality of football over the past few years. From Morocco to Senegal, for those wanting to place an outside bet, African teams may hold the most value.
African Nations in the World Cup
Ten nations from Africa will take part in the World Cup. In the football betting favourites rankings, Morocco currently holds the highest position with 12th place, though this may change. After this comes Senegal, hanging around the 21st spot. The list of teams taking part is as follows:
- Algeria
- Cabo Verde
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Morocco
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tunisia
- DR Congo
While most teams gained their place through direct qualification, the Democratic Republic of Congo gained theirs through the qualifying play-off route. This is a historic moment for a continent that has been responsible for some of the greatest World Cup moments. These have included Cameroon’s surprise quarter-final place in 1990, Ghana’s 2010 almost semi-spot when knocked out on penalties, and, of course, Morocco’s actual semi-final position in 2022.
Ways to Bet
Most people will choose to make an outright bet on a place. You can predict one of the teams as a winner, and the outside odds would make for a hefty payout should it come to fruition. Yet the best bookmakers will also allow you to bet on final placings, be it group standings or qualifications into the quarters, semis, or finals.
In major competitions such as this, with a range of teams all playing at the same time, many people choose to lay out accumulators. These bets take one stake and then apply it to four or more selections. Any odds roll over if one stake comes through, yet if one loses, the whole wager is forfeited. This allows quite large payouts to be made from relatively small amounts.
This presents a wide range of possibilities. You may choose to place accumulators on all the African teams playing in certain legs. Alternatively, you may just have choices of game stakes that day, which involve them.
The Teams Which May Go Far
Morocco, judging by previous form, is arguably the team with the chance to go the furthest. In Qatar 2022, they were the first African team to reach a semi-final. Organized, they are strong on counter-offensives and set pieces. Their campaign starts with Brazil, who they may be able to catch on an off day, as they often take some time to get going. From there, it is on to Scotland, then Haiti, to conclude the group campaign.
Unfortunately, since the last World Cup, change has been abundant. Walid Regragui is no longer the team’s manager, and Mohamed Ouahbi has had very little time with the new squad. Injuries are also an issue. Both Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli were switched before the start of the tournament due to last-minute injuries, shaking things up a little. Aguyerd was always a far-fetched possibility, having not played club football since March due to groin issues.
Senegal has been dropped in one of the most harsh groups, with France, an on-form Norway, and Iraq. While progress may be stacked against them, it is not impossible if they can manage to pull off a surprise win and then hold bigger teams to draws. Their domination of the qualification group showed they are able to do this. They also arrive under the shadow of being stripped of their Confederation of African Football championship win.
Players to Watch
Achraf Hakimi is a key player for Morocco. He is the African football player of the year, and this Paris St-Germain player is the captain of his national squad. For those looking to place bets, he could be a good outside punt for a goal or two. Despite being a full back, he is one of only three players in the team who have managed to net more than ten goals for the national team.
There are, of course, those who always perform. While Mohamed Salah may not have had a great last few seasons at Liverpool, he will want to cast that off when playing for Egypt. Others to watch include the on-form Victor Osimhen of Nigeria and Galatasaray. By checking form, watching the games, and analysing players, you will be sure to find some great betting options for yourself. Sit back and enjoy the biggest World Cup there has ever been.
Watch Group Style Before Placing Bigger Bets
The first match can reveal more than pre-tournament reputation. Some African teams are built to defend deep and counter quickly, while others rely on physical midfield pressure, wide attacks, or set pieces.
This matters when betting on match outcomes, goal totals, and player markets. A team facing Brazil, France, or another favourite may still be useful for handicap bets if it stays compact and limits chances.
On the other hand, matches against weaker defensive sides may open better options for goalscorer or over/under markets. Bettors should avoid judging teams by name alone and watch how they actually start.
At the end
Betting on African teams at the 2026 World Cup is not only about chasing a miracle winner. The expanded format gives more room for strong, disciplined sides to survive the group stage, especially with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams moving into the Round of 32.
That makes markets such as qualification, knockout progress, goal totals, player stats, and handicap betting worth a closer look.
Morocco proved in 2022 that African teams can go deeper than many people expect. In 2026, with ten African nations involved, the smarter approach is to study form, group difficulty, injuries, playing style, and early performances before placing bigger stakes.
There will be long shots, there will be emotional picks, but the best value will usually come from patience and careful reading of each match.
