Former Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi thinks Africa's bigger presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a real chance for more African teams to go far in the tournament. He believes Morocco and Senegal will lead the way, according to The PUNCH.
The 2026 World Cup will start in Mexico on June 11. This time, there will be a record 10 African nations taking part after FIFA increased the number of teams. The tournament will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This is the first time three countries will host the FIFA World Cup together.
Nine countries qualified automatically, while the Democratic Republic of Congo earned the last spot through playoffs. This is the largest number of African teams ever to compete at this global event.
Akpeyi, who played for Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, welcomed the rise in Africa's slots. He said this could help African teams reach the knockout stages more often.
"It is a wonderful opportunity for the continent. With more teams, Africa has a real chance to reach the knockout stages and even the quarter-finals," Akpeyi told SportsBoom.co.za.
"Our players are playing week in and week out in Europe for some of the world’s biggest teams. We also have a sizeable number of players who have already competed at the World Cup, and now it’s up to us to seize this chance.
"I have been talking to some of my friends in other parts of the continent and there is an air of optimism, not only because of the increased numbers but also because of the opportunity that awaits in North America."
Akpeyi, who played for Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs, believes Morocco and Senegal have the skills and experience to do well. He also thinks South Africa could surprise many.
"I see Morocco and Senegal doing very well. They have the quality and experience, as shown in recent years," Akpeyi said.
"It will be difficult for African countries to make the top four again or surpass what Morocco achieved in Qatar, but in football there is always a chance.
"Bafana Bafana could also be a surprise package, while DR Congo qualifying against the odds makes their participation especially exciting. We could see a competition among the African countries over who stays the longest at the tournament. We have every reason as Africans to be excited ahead of the World Cup."
South Africa will play the opening match against Mexico next Thursday at the Estadio Barnote in Mexico City. This is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener.
Morocco will be the second African country to play in the tournament this year when they take on Brazil in a Group C opener at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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