Ten African nations will receive a minimum of $12.5 million each for participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the tournament’s prize distribution plan. That includes $2.5 million allocated for preparation and a $10 million reward for qualifying. The tournament, hosted across Mexico, the United States and Canada, marks the first time three countries will jointly stage the event.
Champions collect $50 million plus a gold-plated replica of the trophy.
The total prize pot of $871 million is distributed further down the bracket. Runners-up get $33 million, third place $29 million, fourth place $27 million. Quarterfinalists each receive $19 million, teams eliminated in the Round of 16 take $15 million each, and the rest of the 32 teams that advanced from the group stage earn an additional $11 million on top of their qualification prize.
Algeria back after 12 years, face defending champions
Algeria’s Desert Foxes return to the event for the first time since 2014, their fifth appearance overall.
Coach Vladimir Petković’s squad faces a tough group.
They will play reigning champions Argentina, likely Lionel Messi’s last event.
Related: Personal Injury Lawyers: Your Trusted Advocates for Justice
Captain Riyad Mahrez said this will be his final tournament.
Other key figures include Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, Manchester City’s Rayan Aït-Nouri, and goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane.
Debutants Cape Verde drawn into unforgiving group
Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations ever to qualify, will make their tournament debut.
They will face Spain, two-time champions Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Key players include Villarreal defender Logan Costa, captain Ryan Mendes, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha (age 40), and forward Dailon Livramento, whose decisive goals in the qualification campaign made him a national hero. A long run is unlikely, but the experience will boost football development in the archipelago.
Côte d’Ivoire aim to break group-stage jinx
The Elephants qualified unbeaten with eight wins and two draws, posting the best goal difference on the continent. Côte d’Ivoire have never advanced past the group phase in three previous appearances. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo leads the attack, supported by Inter’s Ange-Yoan Bonny and Bundesliga talents Yan Diomande and Bazoumana Touré.
They beat France for the first time in a pre-tournament friendly.
Related: Why Lockers for Workers Are a Game Changer in Modern Workspaces
Captain Franck Kessié, with over 100 caps, anchors the midfield.
DR Congo, known as Zaire in their only prior competition appearance in 1974, return after 52 years. Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute goal in a play-off against Jamaica secured their spot. They face Portugal, led by Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, in a difficult group. Key players include Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa, and a strong defensive core of Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Tuanzebe, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Egypt’s Salah leads Pharaohs into North America
Mohamed Salah, just two goals behind all-time record scorer and coach Hossam Hassan, leads Egypt’s attack. Eighteen-year-old La Masia graduate Hamza Abdelkarim adds youth. Egypt are drawn with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran. They have never won a match in this championship in the modern era, and Salah is widely expected to be making his final appearance.
He partners Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.
Ghana face injury and coaching upheaval
Ghana will be without star Mohammed Kudus (quad injury) and have replaced coach Otto Addo with Carlos Quieros just two months ago. Grouped with England and Croatia, they face stiff competition. Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo, La Liga regulars Inaki Williams and Thomas Partey are key, but Tariq Lamptey is out with an ACL tear.
The team has not won since their qualification in October 2025.
Morocco, officially crowned AFCON champions after Senegal’s on-pitch victory was overturned, are ranked 7th in the world. Key players include PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, and veteran Sofyan Amrabat. The Atlas Lions will hope to advance on the field this time.
Related: Ethical Engagement Rings: Saying “Yes” to Love and Sustainability
They face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
Senegal, the most experienced African side at this tournament, retain most of the squad that reached the Round of 16 in Qatar. They face France and Norway in the group round. Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Idrissa Gueye, and Kalidou Koulibaly (returning from injury) are key. This could be the last occasion for Senegal’s golden generation.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana already tested
South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico in the opening match and received two red cards. Many players come from Mamelodi Sundowns, which gained experience at the Club World Cup. Key figures include goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Burnley’s Lyle Support, and 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, linked with European clubs. His club Orlando Pirates reportedly want at least 100 million Rand for him.
They still face Czechia and South Korea.
Tunisia bring strong form and a new manager
Tunisia qualified with six straight wins, scoring 16 goals and conceding none. They are drawn with Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands. Captain Ellyes Skhiri, Elias Achouri, and Hannibal Mejbri form a tough midfield. Tunisia beat defending champions France 1-0 at the 2022 championship before exiting in the group portion.
New coach Sabri Lamouchi took over in January 2026.
