With 10 African nations set to compete at the 2026 World Cup in North America, the mood across the continent is one of genuine belief. The expanded 48-team format introduces a Round of 32, meaning several African sides could reach the knockout stage for the very first time.

Under the new structure, the eight best third-place finishers across the group stage will also advance — so a single win may be enough to make history. Morocco and Senegal are expected to push deep into the tournament, but three other nations carry real ambitions of their own.

South Africa: Bafana Bafana looking to upset the odds

Placed in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic, South Africa enter the tournament as outsiders. Yet coach Hugo Broos has reason for optimism: Bafana Bafana edged Nigeria in CAF Group C qualifying, with two draws against the Super Eagles proving the decisive factor in their advancement.

That capacity to grind out results against competitive opposition gives South Africa a platform to work from. Broos will hope his side can replicate that defensive resilience and snatch a vital win — perhaps against the Czech Republic — to secure a third-place finish.

Consistency in attack remains the challenge. South Africa found the net 15 times during qualifying, but nine of those goals arrived in three matches against Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. Against stiffer opposition, clinical finishing will matter far more.

Tunisia: Defensive steel against heavyweight opponents

Tunisia are widely regarded as the most vulnerable side in Group F, which also contains the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. Sabri Lamouchi's squad face a formidable task, but their qualifying campaign demonstrated an ability to grind.

The Eagles of Carthage won nine of their 10 matches in CAF Group H, recording 22 goals without conceding a single one. That defensive discipline will be central to their approach at the finals — sitting deep, absorbing pressure, and striking on the counter.

Players such as Elias Achouri and Hazem Mastouri will be expected to capitalise on those limited openings. If Tunisia can keep the scoreline level deep into matches, they may yet achieve a Round of 32 appearance at what would be their seventh World Cup.

Côte d'Ivoire: Finally a chance to go beyond the groups

Les Éléphants return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, and the expanded format presents their clearest opportunity yet to advance past the group stage. Neither Didier Drogba nor Yaya Touré could guide the side into the knockouts between 2006 and 2014; now the burden falls on a new generation led by Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo.

Like Tunisia, Emerse Faé's side did not concede during CAF qualifying. Defenders Ousmane Diomande and Evan Ndicka will look to frustrate Group E opponents Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao — though taking points off Germany appears the steepest ask.

Ecuador are no soft touch either, having finished second in CONMEBOL qualifying behind only Argentina. However, a draw against La Tricolor, combined with a win over Curaçao, could be enough to put Côte d'Ivoire through — and finally end their long wait for a knockout-stage berth.