AFCON makes it clear that it can deliver a surprise at the 2026 World Cup
Algeria Under the Spotlight: Argentina’s First Major Test on the Road to the World Cup Is Here
Can Algeria pull off a shock against Argentina, just like Saudi Arabia did in Qatar?
Which African national team will be the revelation of USA 2026? And who emerges as the main contender to win the AFCON: Morocco or Egypt? Nigeria, always a protagonist, is once again in the spotlight.
With the AFCON 2026 quarterfinals in Morocco now set, we take the opportunity to analyze and take a closer look at some of the African national teams that advanced in the tournament, with special attention on Algeria, who lost today to Nigeria but are a direct rival of the Argentina national team in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup in the USA.
🟡NIGERIA, an old acquaintance.
The African side is by far the most familiar opponent for Argentinians, as the two teams have faced each other an impressive five times in recent World Cup editions, with Argentina winning on every occasion. However, that scenario will not be repeated in the next tournament, as Nigeria has exhausted all of its CAF qualification chances for the upcoming World Cup.
Many of these encounters remain etched in memory, such as Diego Maradona’s stunning goal at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, or the dramatic victory in Russia 2018, when the Argentina national team—troubled after a loss to Croatia in the group stage—entered its third match with the obligation to defeat Nigeria. The African side made things far from easy for the team then coached by Jorge Sampaoli. The match, played in Saint Petersburg, ended 2–1, with goals from Lionel Messi and Marcos Rojo that secured Argentina’s place in the round of 16. There, they would later fall to a young and powerful France, who went on to lift the long-awaited 2018 World Cup trophy.
At the AFCON, Nigeria advanced to the semifinals after defeating Riyad Mahrez’s Algeria 2–0 and will face the host nation, Morocco, this Wednesday, January 14, exclusively on beIN SPORTS.
📌 At the FIFA World Cups
Argentina and Nigeria have faced each other five times in World Cup matches, all during the group stage — and Argentina won every single encounter:
- June 25, 1994 – USA 1994 (Group Stage)
Argentina 2–1 Nigeria
(Goals: Caniggia x2) - June 2, 2002 – Korea/Japan 2002 (Group Stage)
Argentina 1–0 Nigeria - June 12, 2010 – South Africa 2010 (Group Stage)
Argentina 1–0 Nigeria - June 25, 2014 – Brazil 2014 (Group Stage)
Argentina 3–2 Nigeria - June 26, 2018 – Russia 2018 (Group Stage)
Argentina 2–1 Nigeria
(Goals: Messi, Rojo)
📊 World Cup Summary:
✅ 5 matches played — 5 wins for Argentina
⚽️ Argentina scored in every match and always won by at least one goal
🟡 MOROCCO, the host nation — are they the favorites?
In my view —as I shared with my colleagues at @5aSideMedia— Morocco are leading a true international revolution in African football. They come off an outstanding performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they came very close to defeating France and reaching a hypothetical final against the eventual champions, Argentina. Today, they can rightly be considered the main favorites to win AFCON 2026.
Morocco have shown a very high level throughout the tournament. They are a solid team, well-organized on the pitch, and highly effective at maximizing their strengths. Yesterday, they defeated an entertaining Cameroon side 2–0, knocking them out of the competition and reinforcing their status as title contenders.
As for their history against Argentina, Morocco have no previous meetings with the Albiceleste at the World Cup, but they have faced each other in international friendlies. In total, three matches have been played: an Argentine 3–1 win in 1994, featuring a goal from Diego Maradona; a 1–0 victory in 2004 with a goal by Kily González; and a draw in 2019.
Morocco’s current momentum, combined with home advantage and a squad full of talent and experience, places them firmly under the spotlight as they aim to crown their rise with continental glory.
🟡 ALGERIA: Are They the Big Revelation?
After 12 years, the African side is set to return to the FIFA World Cup. Their last appearance came at Brazil 2014, where they reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. Algeria enjoyed a strong group-stage campaign, highlighted by a 4–2 victory over South Korea, followed by a 1–1 draw against Russia, though they were unable to overcome Belgium, who defeated them 2–1.
The knockout stage proved decisive. In a complex, tight, and fiercely contested Round of 16 match, Algeria ultimately fell 2–1 in extra time to Germany, who would later go on to be crowned World Cup champions at the Maracanã after defeating Argentina in the final.
In six months’ time at USA 2026, Algeria will face Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in the group stage—demanding opponents that leave little room for easy optimism regarding qualification. Nevertheless, the team places its trust in the quality and leadership of its star man Riyad Mahrez, who brings extensive experience from Europe’s top clubs, as well as in their leading scorer Mohamed Amoura.
Despite that confidence, Algeria’s current form suggests there is still work to be done when it comes to handling high-caliber opposition. This was evident in their most recent AFCON 2026 outing against Nigeria, where they suffered a 2–0 defeat and were eliminated from the tournament, broadcast on beIN SPORTS USA.
🟡 SENEGAL: A Dark Horse
With their advancement to the AFCON 2026 quarterfinals and awaiting Egypt—who recently secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over a resilient Ivory Coast side—Senegal confirms a solid form that positions them as a team to watch heading into the 2026 World Cup in the USA.
In a potential clash against Argentina, Lionel Scaloni will need to pay close attention to the offensive prowess of Sadio Mané, Senegal’s main attacking threat, and the defensive leadership of Kalidou Koulibaly, crucial for maintaining structure and dominance in the air. The reliability of Edouard Mendy in goal completes a central spine that is difficult to break down.
For Argentina, the key to the match will lie in how Lionel Messi manages to find space and control the tempo of the game. Senegal’s high physical intensity, rapid transitions, and tactical discipline will demand maximum concentration and strategic awareness from the Albiceleste.
Senegal’s balance of experience, athleticism, and tactical discipline makes them a team that cannot be underestimated, both in AFCON competitions and in the upcoming World Cup group stage. Their combination of defensive solidity and attacking speed provides a blueprint for challenging even the most technically gifted opponents.
🟡EGYPT: Strong Contenders in AFCON
Mohamed Salah, captain and the leading figure of the Egyptian team, resists being labeled as “the favorite” and urges caution when discussing his national side. Nevertheless, both fans and the media are excited by the team’s impressive performance in the tournament, especially after their hard-fought victory over Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2026. Salah, however, remains focused and emphasizes the importance of a “game by game” approach—a philosophy that helps manage expectations and keep the team flowing smoothly, like the Nile.
With his goals in Morocco, Salah reached 68 international goals for Egypt, just one shy of the country’s all-time record of 69, held by legendary Hossam Hassan, an AFCON champion. Hassan himself is confident that Salah will not only match but surpass this historic mark in the near future.
As for encounters with Argentina, Egypt has not faced them in a World Cup match. They have, however, met in an international friendly in 2008, where Argentina secured a 2–0 victory with goals from Nicolás Burdisso and Sergio “Kun” Agüero.
Egypt’s blend of experience, tactical discipline, and the scoring prowess of Salah makes them a formidable contender in AFCON 2026. Their progression in the tournament highlights a team that is both confident and cautious, capable of challenging any opponent while keeping their focus firmly on each match as it comes.
With Algeria confirmed as Argentina’s opponent in the group stage, the focus on Africa shifts from hypothetical to very real. In a context where the football world is closely watching who will lift the AFCON 2026 trophy—whether it’s host nation Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, or Senegal, all of whom have reached the semifinals—the attention is on the four teams that currently stand out as the most dangerous, based on form and footballing development. The semifinal matches, set for Wednesday, January 14, will determine which teams advance to the final.
In this scenario, Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff are already analyzing the growth and strengths of potential matchups against African teams, paying close attention to their physical power, speed, and ability to transition quickly, all qualities that can make a decisive difference in short tournaments.
Algeria will be Scaloni’s first African test at USA 2026, but it is by no means guaranteed to be the last. The preparation emphasizes not just tactical adjustments but also mental readiness, as facing top African teams will require focus, discipline, and adaptability in a tournament that promises intense competition from start to finish.
