2026 World Cup Draw: Africa Teams Who Got a Better Group Placement
- African countries that qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been placed in different groups ahead of the competition next year
- South Africa found themselves in Group A alongside one of the North American countries hosting the competition, Mexico, and another Asian nation
- A sports journalist told Briefly News how some of the African countries got a favourable draw, and have a good chance to progress
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been determined, with all the teams who have already qualified for the competition knowing their group for next year's competition.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa, who were placed in Pot 3 ahead of the draw, found themselves in the same group as one of the co-host nations, Mexico, alongside Korea Republic and another team from the playoffs.
The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time in its history, with Africa having the largest representation in this edition.
African teams that got a good draw
Sports journalist Kingsley Akpan shared his thoughts with Briefly News after the draw, also claiming that some of the African teams got a good draw if they take their chances.
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"I think the nine African countries that already know their group, some of them have a chance to qualify for the next round with the placement they’ve received," he said.
"While some claimed South Africa got a tough draw, I think I have a different opinion on that as Bafana Bafana have a good chance of qualifying from that group."
"Morocco and Egypt also got a good group placement, standing a good chance of securing a place in the next round of the competition."
"We all know that the World Cup is not child's play and is somehow unpredictable, but some teams will always go into the tournament as favourites, while others as underdogs."
Source: Getty Images
Akpan went on to name his five favourite countries to win the competition after the group stage draw was confirmed.
"The number one favourite competitor remains Argentina. Apart from being defending champions, they also retained the crop of players that won the competition in Qatar three years ago, with Lionel Messi also enjoying a successful time at his club, Inter Miami," he added.
"The Argentine team remains the team to beat, and their coach is still one of the best globally in football. Another country who could win the competition next year is Brazil. They are the most successful nation in the competition's history with five trophies.
"The Seleção ow have a new coach in Carlo Ancelotti, and the former Real Madrid boss has been doing a good job since taking over the role.
"Spain are also one of the countries to look out for. They won the competition in South Africa in 2010 and are currently the European champions after winning the Euros last year. They have top players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri González, Mikel Merino, Nico Williams, and a host of others who can power them to victory in North America.
"Kylian Mbappé-led France are also one of the tournament's favourites. They've played in the last two editions' finals, winning the 2018 event in Russia. England are under a new top-class manager in the person of Thomas Tuchel. He has built a new team around Harry Kane, and they could go all the way to win the tournament for the first time in over six decades."
Williams reacts to 2026 World Cup draw
Briefly News earlier reported that Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams shared his thoughts on Bafana Bafana's group at the 2026 World Cup.
The Bafana Bafana captain also talked about their chances of qualifying from their group in the competition.
Source: Briefly News
