The 2026 World Cup produced a historic achievement for African football: nine of the continent's ten representatives reached the round of 32. Now another challenge begins. The AFCON 2027 Qualifiers will bring those national teams back into competition as they attempt to turn their World Cup experience into another continental qualification.
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From the 2026 World Cup to AFCON 2027: The Nations Chasing Another Major Tournament
Nine African national teams advanced from the group stage of the latest World Cup. Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana and other contenders will now look to carry that momentum into the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Nine African teams advanced at the World Cup
CAF confirmed that the teams progressing from the group stage were:
Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa.
Tunisia were the only African representatives who failed to reach the first knockout round.
The achievement was particularly significant because the World Cup featured 48 teams for the first time, with Africa represented by ten nations.
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification
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Morocco and Senegal look to maintain their momentum
Morocco will begin qualifying in Group A alongside Gabon, Niger and Lesotho.
The Atlas Lions are entering a new chapter under Mohamed Ouahbi, with a squad combining established internationals and youngsters receiving their first senior call-ups.
Senegal, meanwhile, share Group J with Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia.
New head coach Patrick Vieira will begin without Sadio Mané, who is absent because of a physical issue, although the forward could return during the next international window.
Egypt, Ghana and Ivory Coast also attract attention
Egypt will face Angola, Malawi and South Sudan in Group B.
With Mohamed Salah among their leading players, the Pharaohs will attempt to reach the finals of a tournament they have won seven times.
Group C features one of the most interesting matchups of the entire qualifying campaign: Ivory Coast against Ghana.
Both teams advanced from the World Cup group stage and will meet in their opening qualifier on September 24.
Cape Verde, Algeria and South Africa face new challenges
Cape Verde, who made their World Cup debut in 2026, were drawn into Group K alongside Mali, Rwanda and Liberia.
Algeria will face Zambia, Togo and Burundi in Group I.
For South Africa, the challenge is different: they share Group D with Kenya, Guinea and Eritrea. Because Kenya have already qualified as hosts, only one of the other three nations will advance.
The World Cup provided important experience, but it guarantees nothing in qualifying. Every team must earn its place over six matches to reach AFCON 2027.
