Mixed Results for African Nations After Opening Round of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Mixed Results for African Nations After Opening Round of 2026 FIFA World Cup

By BSN Sports 

Africa's representatives have enjoyed a mixed start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire securing crucial victories, while several other nations earned impressive draws against some of the tournament's leading contenders, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ghana became the continent's second winning team after edging Panama 1-0 in a dramatic Group L encounter at Toronto Stadium on June 18. The Black Stars appeared destined for a draw before Yirenkyi struck deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 95th minute to seal all three points.

Côte d’Ivoire also opened their campaign with a victory, overcoming Ecuador 1-0 in Group E at Philadelphia Stadium. Diallo emerged as the match winner, finding the net in the 90th minute to hand the Elephants a valuable three points.

DR Congo produced a resilient performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Portugal in Houston. The Europeans took an early lead through Neves in the sixth minute, but Wissa responded just before half-time to ensure the Congolese secured a share of the spoils.

Morocco continued to demonstrate their growing status on the world stage by holding tournament favourites Brazil to a 1-1 draw in Group C. Saibari gave the Atlas Lions the lead in the 21st minute before Brazil equalised through Júnior shortly after the half-hour mark.

Egypt also earned a credible point after drawing 1-1 with Belgium in Seattle. Emam Ashour opened the scoring for the Pharaohs in the 20th minute, but Belgium levelled through an own goal credited to Mohamed Hany.

Cape Verde delivered one of the most disciplined defensive performances of the opening round, frustrating Spain in a goalless draw at Atlanta Stadium to claim a hard-earned point.

However, several African nations suffered disappointing starts to their campaigns. South Africa fell to a 2-0 defeat against Mexico in Group A, while Tunisia endured the continent's heaviest loss, suffering a 5-1 defeat to Sweden despite Rekik's first-half strike.

Senegal were also unable to avoid defeat, losing 3-1 to France in Group I. Mbaye scored in stoppage time for the Lions of Teranga, but goals from Bradley Barcola and a late brace from Kylian Mbappé secured victory for the French side.

Algeria completed a difficult opening round for some of Africa's representatives, falling 3-0 to Argentina in Kansas City. Lionel Messi produced a masterclass for the South Americans, scoring all three goals in a dominant display.

Following the first round of matches, Africa's ten representatives have collectively recorded two victories, four draws and four defeats, leaving several teams well positioned to challenge for qualification to the knockout stages as the tournament progresses.