Former Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi believes Africa’s increased representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a genuine opportunity for more countries from the continent to make deep runs in the tournament, tipping Morocco and Senegal to lead the charge, The PUNCH reports.
The 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in Mexico on June 11, will feature a record 10 African nations following FIFA’s expansion of the competition. The tournament is being hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three countries will host the FIFA World Cup.
Nine countries secured qualification automatically, while the Democratic Republic of Congo booked the continent’s final slot through the playoffs, marking Africa’s largest-ever representation at the global showpiece.
Akpeyi, who was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, welcomed the increase in Africa’s allocation, saying it could boost the continent’s chances of producing more knockout-stage contenders.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for the continent. With more teams, Africa has a real chance to reach the knockout stages and even the quarter-finals,” Akpeyi told SportsBoom.co.za.
“Our players are playing week in and week out in Europe for some of the world’s biggest teams. We also have a sizeable number of players who have already competed at the World Cup, and now it’s up to us to seize this chance.
“I have been talking to some of my friends in other parts of the continent and there is an air of optimism, not only because of the increased numbers but also because of the opportunity that awaits in North America.”
The former Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper believes Morocco and Senegal possess the quality and experience to enjoy successful campaigns, while also identifying South Africa as a potential surprise package.
“I see Morocco and Senegal doing very well. They have the quality and experience, as shown in recent years,” Akpeyi said.
“It will be difficult for African countries to make the top four again or surpass what Morocco achieved in Qatar, but in football there is always a chance.
“Bafana Bafana could also be a surprise package, while DR Congo qualifying against the odds makes their participation especially exciting. We could see a competition among the African countries over who stays the longest at the tournament. We have every reason as Africans to be excited ahead of the World Cup.”
South Africa will play the opening match against Mexico next Thursday at the Estadio Barnote in Mexico City – in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener.
Morocco will be the second African country to play at the tournament this year when they face Brazil in a Group C opener at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
