As an unprecedented ten African nations prepare to compete in the first-ever 48-team World Cup, a pressing inquiry looms: can any of these teams eclipse Morocco’s remarkable semi-final run in Qatar?
The aspiration of an African country lifting the World Cup trophy became a vivid possibility in 1990 when Cameroon shocked the world by overcoming Argentina, the defending champions, in the tournament’s opening match. This monumental victory sparked an unforgettable campaign that ended in a close 3-2 defeat against England in the quarter-finals. Yet, in the eight World Cups that followed, African squads have repeatedly fallen short of their ambitions.
Pelé, the footballing icon, once predicted, “An African nation will win the World Cup before the year 2000.” The fact that his vision remains unrealized is not attributed to a lack of talent, but rather systemic governance issues, as pointed out by Joseph-Antoine Bell, a former goalkeeper for Cameroon who played in the 1982, 1990, and 1994 tournaments.
“Our football isn’t making real progress… we don’t push ourselves towards excellence,” Bell asserts, providing a critical perspective on the continent’s challenges. “Long before the 1960s, Africa was home to exceptional players in Europe, showing that we have no shortage of talent. What have we accomplished at the World Cup? With the tournament now expanded to 48 teams, do we really think our chances have improved?”
“When the World Cup took place in 2010, there were claims that an African nation would win since the event was hosted here. This is nonsense. Our chances of winning the World Cup have not increased.”
This summer, Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia will wave Africa’s flag, while notable absences include Cameroon and Nigeria. “Many view Cameroon as the leader in African football, but Morocco has truly raised the bar, being the first to reach the World Cup’s second round in 1986 and the first to advance to the semi-finals in Qatar,” Bell highlights.
“I believe they stand as Africa’s best hope at this World Cup, alongside Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and potentially Egypt, which has shown remarkable consistency in qualifying. Regular qualification and improvement are vital to progressing further.”
However, we must acknowledge that merely advancing past the first round is no longer a sufficient goal, as the nature of a 48-team tournament vastly differs from that of a 32-team setup. The aim is to secure victory in the World Cup, and the road to the trophy has evolved.”
Despite these challenges, off-field issues continue to plague several African nations preparing for the tournament, exposing a tragicomedy of mismanagement that undermines the potential of football federations meant to represent the continent’s best.
Pape Thiaw, the head coach of Senegal, initially refused to board the plane in Dakar destined for the World Cup, protesting the Senegal football federation’s failure to pay months of back wages, as well as working without a contract since it expired after he led the team to the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. The situation necessitated a last-minute intervention from the Senegalese government to find a resolution.
“To be the best team in the world requires talented players, adept coaching, and competent staff, but it also demands sound governance to bolster those efforts,” Bell emphasizes. “The entire infrastructure must be functional. When your team hails from a country that neglects to pay the coach’s salary while claiming a desire to win the World Cup, it is an insult to the rest of the world, where individuals genuinely strive for excellence. We need to start taking this seriously.”
“Achieving world champion status involves more than just players; it requires strategic thinkers and managers who plan thoroughly before players step onto the field.”
Amid the uncertain prospects of Africa’s teams, the struggles faced by countless fans from qualifying nations in securing travel visas loom large over what should be an inclusive event. “The lack of vibrant, passionate African supporters, due to travel complications, costs, and visa issues for entry into the United States, is becoming a serious concern,” notes Segun Odegbami, a former captain of Nigeria and a champion of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I have been waiting for 14 months for an interview appointment [at the US embassy in Abuja]… I am not a first-time visitor. I have had to cancel my plans to attend.”
Given that Odegbami was present in the US for the 1994 World Cup as the Super Eagles’ administrative manager, his predicament is especially poignant. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful about what the next five weeks could mean for Africa’s World Cup dreams. “We have advanced beyond just participating; we are contenders aiming for a top-four finish. We are on the verge of breaking through.”
Opening the door to the finals—and ultimately, the trophy—in matches often decided by scant margins, while showcasing a high level of professionalism, presents a significant challenge. Yet, nothing would bring greater joy to the continent’s 1.5 billion inhabitants than having a stake in the match at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
