When will an African side win the World Cup?
Following Morocco's historic run at Qatar 2022, players and experts analyze what is needed for an African nation to finally lift the trophy.
Фото: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 br / Автор: Danilo Borges/Portal da Copa
The question of when an African nation will win the World Cup remains a focal point for the continent's football development. Since 1930, 49 teams have represented Africa across 22 editions of the tournament, yet Morocco's semi-final appearance at Qatar 2022 stands as the lone historic landmark.
Morocco's success has been attributed to long-term investment and a clear structural blueprint. Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong noted that consistent planning and governmental support for academies are essential for success. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) is mirroring this by increasing prize money and investing in school championships to bolster the talent pipeline.
Recruiting players from the diaspora has also emerged as a significant competitive advantage. Nations like Morocco, DR Congo, and Cape Verde are successfully integrating talent developed in European academies, creating deeper and more experienced squads.
The expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, providing Africa with nine automatic spots, is expected to accelerate this progress. South Africa captain Ronwen Williams believes this increased exposure will allow teams to handle the pressure of the world stage more effectively.
What Morocco did was the start for us as Africans to believe that we can go far. It starts with that belief, and then you need to go out and perform. Ronwen Williams
While experts acknowledge that success often requires a slice of luck, there is a consensus that the gap between African teams and the established elite is narrowing. With ongoing infrastructure improvements and an increasing belief in their own potential, the continent remains hopeful that a World Cup title is within reach.