Since its inception in 1930, African countries have participated in the FIFA World Cup, but none has managed to capture the prestigious trophy.
With the expansion of the 2026 tournament, the continent now boasts nine automatic slots, increasing their chances of finally getting their hands on the trophy.
However, several African nations have produced memorable performances on the world’s biggest stages in the past, writing their names in the history books.
This article takes a look at the five best performances by an African side at the FIFA World Cup;
Morocco (Semifinals, 2022)
Morocco made history in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, becoming the first African country to reach the semifinals of the tournament. They finished top of a difficult group that included 2018 finalists Croatia, as well as Belgium and Croatia, earning seven points from a maximum nine.
The Atlas Lions went on to record shock successes over Spain and Portugal in the knockout round, before falling to France in the semifinals. They ultimately finished fourth after also losing to Croatia in the third-place playoff.
Cameroon (Quarterfinals, 1990)
Cameroon became the first African country in history to reach the last eight of a FIFA World Cup, following their remarkable run in the 1990 tournament.
The Indomitable Lions finished top of their group, ahead of 1986 champions Argentina, as well as Romania and the Soviet Union.
They then overcame Colombia in the first knockout round before eventually losing to England at the quarterfinal stage.
Ghana (Quarterfinals, 2010)
Ghana were on the brink of history at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but were denied by Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who prevented a shot from entering his net with his hands in their quarterfinal match. They subsequently went on to lose the resulting penalty and also lost the ensuing spot-kick as their fairytale run ended at the last eight.
The Black Stars had eliminated the United States of America in their round of 16 clash, after finishing second in their group behind Germany.
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Senegal (Quarterfinals, 2002)
The Lions of Teranga made history at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, securing the highest-ever finish by an African country on their debut when they reached the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Senegal finished as runners-up in their group, but eliminated powerhouses Sweden in the round of 16 in their historic run to the last eight.
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Nigeria (Round of 16 – 1994, 1998, 2014)
Nigeria remain the only African country to have reached the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup on three occasions in history. They first reached the second round of the FIFA World Cup in their debut tournament in 1994, before losing to Italy.
The Super Eagles also reached the last 16 in 1998 and also in the 2014 editions.
Related article: Top-five African giants that have missed the FIFA World Cup
