World Cup 2026: When will African teams lift the trophy?

Colonialism limited opportunities before many countries declared independence in the 1950s and 60s, with Africa previously lagging behind due to lack of representation in finals.

Egypt, in 1934, was the continent’s only competitor in the first eight editions of the tournament – and Africa boycotted the 1966 final after FIFA announced it would not be a direct qualifier for that year’s World Cup in England.

The continent sent a side to the finals in 1970, 1974 and 1978 – as opposed to at least nine from Europe and three from South America.

Two slots have been available since 1982, three in 1994 and five since 1998 when the tournament expanded to 32 teams.

Six competed in 2010 when South Africa hosted, but this year’s 48-team finals saw Canada, Mexico and the United States feature the continent’s largest group of nine automatic qualifiers, along with DR Congo, who progressed through the inter-confederation play-offs.

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams, who will lead his side in the tournament opener in Mexico City, believes this World Cup will be “a wonderful moment” for the African game.

“We’ve grown – leagues, cafes, the (African) Champions League, Afcon,” he told the BBC.

“Everything has improved tremendously. For so many countries to go out and compete at the highest level, it’s amazing.”

With 37 wins from 162 matches before the World Cup, Williams and Troost-Ekong believe the increased representation and the change in format which sees two-thirds of the teams advance to the group stage, will be a big positive for improving Africa’s record.

“Making it more accessible is going to be a key factor for teams to be more competitive in the long run,” Troost-Ekong said.

“You need that exposure to improve. The more experience they get, the better able they are to handle pressure.

“Experience is priceless.”