African football | Axios Times

World Cup 2026: Can Sub-Saharan African teams surpass their North African rivals?

After Morocco became the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal in 2022, sub-Saharan sides are aiming to spring surprises at the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 11. Senegal and Ghana have quarterfinal pedigree, while debutants Cape Verde and a resurgent Ivory Coast and DR Congo hope to make their mark. Their toughest test may be overcoming North Africa's historical dominance on the global stage.

Jun 6, 2026

Sports

Senegal at the 2026 World Cup: The Lions of Teranga Roar for History

Senegal enters the 2026 World Cup as Africa's top-ranked team, led by legend Sadio Mane in his final World Cup campaign. Coach Pape Thiaw's squad is drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iraq, and arrives with momentum from an unbeaten qualifying run and a historic win over England at Wembley.

May 30, 2026

Sports

Senegal Denies Rumors of Delayed US Flight Due to Coach Conflict

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has denied rumors that head coach Pape Thiaw refused to travel to the US for World Cup preparations due to a contract dispute, attributing the nearly 8-hour flight delay to logistical issues like flight permits and visas. The FSF emphasized team unity and ongoing contract discussions.

May 29, 2026

Sports

Cape Verde to Make Historic World Cup Debut in 2026

Cape Verde will become one of the smallest nations ever to play in a FIFA World Cup when it debuts at the 2026 tournament in North America, marking a milestone exactly 50 years after the country gained independence. The 'Blue Sharks' topped a tough African qualifying group featuring Cameroon, winning eight of 10 matches and keeping clean sheets in all five home games. Drawn in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde are underdogs but have shown they can compete.

May 24, 2026

Sports

CAF Champions League Final: Sundowns Aim to Protect Slim Lead on the Road

Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Morocco to face AS FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League final second leg, holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg. The match offers a record $6 million prize and a FIFA Club World Cup berth. Sundowns are aiming to end a disappointing season with continental glory and break a nine-year North African dominance.

May 23, 2026

Sports

Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly named in Senegal squad for World Cup 2026

Sadio Mane headlines Senegal's 28-man World Cup 2026 squad as coach Pape Thiaw blends veteran stars Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Nicolas Jackson with emerging talent. The Lions of Teranga open Group I against France on June 16, followed by Norway and Iraq.

May 21, 2026

Sports

USM Alger Beat Zamalek to Win CAF Cup

Algerian side USM Alger defeated Egypt's Zamalek in the final to win the CAF Cup. The victory is a landmark achievement for Algerian football on the continental stage.

May 17, 2026

Sports

Zamalek Eyes Record $4 Million CAF Cup Bonus

Egyptian club Zamalek could receive a record $4 million CAF Confederation Cup bonus if they beat Algeria's USM Alger in the final. The two-legged tie starts Saturday in Algiers, with the return on May 16 in Cairo.

May 8, 2026