Africa’s 2026 Fifa World Cup campaign ended with Morocco’s quarter-final defeat to France, but the continent’s impressive performances, led by Egypt’s near-upset of Argentina and nine teams reaching the knockout stages, showed African football continues to close the gap on the world’s elite. Picture: Google Gemini
It’s not an understatement to say that Africa’s hopes at the Fifa World Cup came to a sudden and deflating end, but the continent’s performances at the quadrennial showpiece cannot be defined by a single game.
Morocco looked outclassed against France in their quarter-final at Boston Stadium on Thursday, and the final 2-0 scoreline was probably flattering to the last remaining standard-bearers for African football.
Morocco reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2022, so there were high expectations that they could replicate, or even improve on, that achievement four years later.
Instead, they produced a performance against France that was well below their potential. Morocco appeared hesitant, lacked creativity and generally looked overawed by the occasion.
