Following the June 2026 World Cup qualifications – 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifications – African heavyweights face challenges

Even though there are still four games remaining in the competition to qualify for the United States, Canada, and Mexico to play in the 2026 World Cup, we take a look at some of the major teams that have fallen short of expectations.

Senegal, which is ranked #2 in Africa

With the Lions of Teranga’s historic victory in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal has become a major force on the continent. This success has also been enjoyed by their junior teams and women’s national team.

Despite having a strong start with a 4-0 victory over South Sudan on November 18, Aliou Cisse’s team hasn’t had much luck in Group B. Three days later, Togo held the former African champions to a scoreless tie, and on June 9, they lost to DR Congo 1-1 as well.

Senegal was wasteful in their close 1-0 victory over Mauritania on June 9, finishing second in the group with eight points—two behind unexpected leaders Sudan.

Nigeria, positioned fifth in Africa

Nigeria has struggled to get going in Group C, and they run the real risk of losing out on the global showcase. Under Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles performed admirably at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the final before losing 2-1 to the host Ivory Coast.

Finidi George assumed the position of head coach last month after Peseiro resigned, but he hasn’t been able to bring out the best in his players yet.

Their cause hasn’t been helped by the absence of Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, though nobody could have predicted that the West African powerhouses wouldn’t win their first four group matches. On June 7, George’s team was held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa at home. Three days later, they were humiliated 2-1 by Benin, dropping them to fifth position, four points behind the leaders.

Mali (Africa’s ninth-ranked nation)

Mali was supposed to be Ghana’s biggest rivals to automatically advance from Group I, however ever since defeating Chad 3-1 on matchday 1, they have struggled. The Eagles lost 2-1 to the Black Stars on June 6 after likewise blowing a lead against Central African Republic on November 20 and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

On June 11, Eric Chelle’s team dominated the match against Madagascar, but they lacked a decisive edge in front of goal and could only muster a point from a goalless draw. As a result, they are currently four points behind Ghana and Comoros in fourth place.