CAF Releases Statement on Egypt, Tunisia, Cote d'Ivoire as They Eye First World Cup Knockout Stage
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a statement regarding three African nations as they prepare for their opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With South Africa and Morocco already in action, no African team has yet secured a victory, but Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, and Tunisia are set to take the stage with hopes of making history.
African Teams Aim for First Win
South Africa lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in the tournament opener, while Morocco held five-time champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw, scoring Africa's first goal and earning the continent's first point. However, the quest for the first win continues as three more teams prepare to compete.
CAF published previews on its official website highlighting the challenges ahead for the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire, the Pharaohs of Egypt, and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia. Cote d'Ivoire will face Ecuador, Egypt takes on Belgium, and Tunisia meets Sweden. All three teams carry the weight of expectation, aiming to become the first African nation to win a match at the 2026 tournament.
Egypt's Historic Struggle
Egypt faces an especially daunting task, having never won a World Cup match in seven previous appearances, despite being the first African team to qualify in 1934. The seven-time African champions have also never advanced past the group stage. Star player Mohamed Salah and head coach Hossam Hassan, who represented Egypt at the 1990 World Cup, are determined to break this streak.
“Egypt should take its rightful place in football. Back in 1990, I think we did something good although we did not follow it through,” Hassan said, as quoted by CAF. “We played well, came close to going through, but it was not meant to be. So I hope, God willing, we can finally go through.”
Common Goal for Cote d'Ivoire and Tunisia
Cote d'Ivoire returns to the World Cup after missing two editions, having previously been eliminated in the group stage in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Tunisia, appearing in their seventh World Cup, has also never progressed beyond the group stage, with previous campaigns in 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022 ending in early exits.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence in African teams, suggesting that a nation from the continent could win the World Cup, especially with an increased allocation of 10 slots. He tipped Senegal and Morocco as potential leaders in this charge.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on these three African sides as they seek to make history and inspire a continent.
