Can An African Team Win The World Cup? Morocco, Senegal, Ghana and More Analysed

Can An African Side Shock The World This Summer?

The first time an African nation appeared at a World Cup was in 1934, the second ever edition of the tournament. Where Egypt, the sole African representative, took to Italian soil carrying the representative of the entire continent, although they were quickly knocked out.

It was the second tournament which ever took place that saw the first time an African side took part in a World Cup, and it was the last tournament that saw an African team go as far as ever, as Morocco took the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by storm. For the first time ever, An African side reached the semi-finals of a World Cup, and despite falling short and eventually coming in 4th place after losing out in the third place play-off, the northern African nation's side returned home to a hero's welcome.

Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 all reached the quarter-finals, but Morocco's semi-final finish four years ago is the furthest anyone from the African continent has gone in the World Cup.

But could this year be different? Ten African teams will take part in this summer's event, a record amount at a World Cup, but who are the continent's best chances of making history?

Morocco

Undoubtably Africa's footballing crown jewel right now, Morocco are experiencing a golden generation.

The fourth place finish in Qatar was followed by success at the African Cup of Nations last year, all be it controversially, leading to Morocco being placed in 7th in the FIFA World Rankings. A record high for an African side since 1994 where Nigeria saw themselves in 5th place.

The squad is blessed with a mixture of established top class talent, experience and young stars, and has every chance of going all the way to the final stages of the tournament.

The unquestionable star is Achraf Hakimi. The PSG right-back has established himself as perhaps the best in his position in the world as he claimed as second consecutive UEFA Champions League title with the Parisian club.

Alongside Hakimi, Morocco's central midfield sees Lille's 18 year-old wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The Lille midfielder could have chosen to play for France, but chose to represent Morocco, and has been one of the young stars across Europe this season, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and is set for a breakthrough tournament.

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz is one of the stars of the attack. The forward has struggled for gametime for Madrid but remains a supremely talented individual capable of creating magic moments for his side.

Ivory Coast

Despite having an abundance of talent in their ranks throughout modern times, Ivory Coast have underperformed on the world stage. The Ivorians have only qualified for three World Cups, consecutively between 2006 and 2014, however failed to escape the group stage at either of those tournaments.

But now, after missing out in 2018 and 2022, Ivory Coast are back at a World Cup with a new generation ready to make history.

The attack sees two of the brightest young wingers on each side of the flanks for the Ivory Coast side, Yan Diomande has emerged as one of the best young attackers at RB Leipzig this season and is demanding a price tag north of €100 million with the likes of Liverpool and PSG keen.

Whilst the opposite wing will see Hoffenheim's Bazoumana Touré. Another young star who has broken through to shine in the Bundesliga this season, scoring five and assisting seven for his side.

Manchester United's Amad is another talented attacker in the Ivorian ranks, whilst the midfield sees experienced quality in Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare.

The Ivorians find themsevles in a tough group, alongside Germany and Ecuador, but have the talent to at least reach the knockouts for the first time ever.

Ghana

Ghana captured the hearts of the world during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, as they reached the quarter-finals and were a penalty shootout away from reaching the semi-final stage.

Two group stage exits in 2014 and 2022 followed, and now Ghana look to put an end to that by reaching the knockout stage for the first time since that 2010 tournament this summer in North America.

The Black Stars side's talent is in the attacking areas. WIth Manchester City star Antoine Semenyo, who scored 17 goals in the Premier League combined for Bournemouth and Man City. Whilst Athletic Club's Inaki Williams remains a strong part of the squad. The 31 year-old has been a consistent performer for the Basque-based side over the years and is still that.

Whilst Championship stars Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante have lit up the English second tier this season and will look to bring that form to their national team.

Ghana, like Ivory Coast, find themselves in a tough group. Alongside England and Croatia. But with much of their squad, especially in attack, in form after strong seasons with their clubs, confident of making it out the group and far in the tournament will be high.

Senegal

Senegal have made it out the group stage in two of the three World Cups they have appeared at, including a quarter-final finish in 2002 in South Korea and Japan. With the most recent tournament in Qatar in 2022 seeing a round of 16 exit.

Star Sadio Mane may now be 34, but the squad has strong talent across it. Illman Nidaye has established himself as one of the most eye-catching attacking players outside the 'big six' clubs in the Premier League whilst at Everton. Whilst, Ismaila Sarr has scored 20 goals for Crystal Palace in all competitions this season, and scored more than any other in the UEFA Conference League as the Eagles won the tournament.

Behind the forward line is a trio of young midfield stars. Pape Sarr of Tottenham, Lamine Camara of Monaco and Hahib Diarra of Sunderland brings energy to the midfield.

A squad well balanced with quality both young and experienced makes Senegal potential 'dark horses' for the tournament, with the opportunity to go far.

Algeria

Algeria, similar to Senegal, see their main star over the last few years aging, with Riyad Mahrez now 35. Despite that, he is still very much a part of the side and has been in form in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli this season.

Algeria have reached the knockout stages of the World Cup once, in 2014 in Brazil where the round of 16 stage was reached, however Algeria couldn't match the best result of an African side by reaching the quarters.

Algeria have one of Europe's best young attacking midfielders in their ranks, in the form of Ibrahim Maza of Bayer Leverkusen. Who has filled the void left by Florian Wirtz well, with the 20 year-old lighting things up for Leverkusen and has scored 3 goals whilst assisting four in the German top flight.

Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri is a strong option on the left flank, whilst former Arsenal target Houssem Aouar, now representing Algeria after switching allegiance from France, has been in strong form for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League scoring eight times from midfield.

The squad is high on technical quality, and could be a fun team to watch as they contest a group consisting of world champions Argentina and Austria.