Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has credited CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe for the unprecedented competitiveness and tactical growth of African nations at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For the first time in tournament history, Africa was represented by 10 nations on the global stage. In a stunning display of continental strength, an incredible nine out of those 10 teams advanced to the Round of 32 knockout stage, with Tunisia being the solitary side to miss out.
Five African powerhouses—South Africa, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Morocco—secured automated qualification by finishing second in their respective groups. They were joined in the knockouts by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Algeria, Ghana, and Senegal, who booked their spots as part of the best third-placed finishers.
IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY BY AFRICAN COUNTRIES AT THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
While Bafana Bafana and Tunisia have now seen their campaigns come to an end, the continent’s charge continues to gather momentum. On Tuesday, Morocco became the first African nation to march into the Round of 16 following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands.
Reflecting on the continent’s trailblazing performances after South Africa’s narrow elimination against Canada, Mokoena insisted that the standard of African football has shifted gears under the current leadership.
“I think since Dr Patrice Motsepe took over, African football has been growing,” Mokoena stated.
“So, we can also be proud of Africa for having such teams and competing at the highest level. Africa is growing, so hopefully in the next World Cup there will be more African teams.”
CAF PRESIDENT SHOWS SUPPORT TO THE AFRICAN TEAMS IN NORTH AMERICA
Motsepe has been leading from the front in North America, traversing venues across Canada, Mexico, and the USA to offer hands-on support to the continent’s representatives from the presidential suites.
While Africa is still chasing its elusive maiden FIFA World Cup title, the foundation laid by Morocco’s historic semi-final run at Qatar 2022 has clearly translated into collective continental belief in 2026. With the Atlas Lions already leading the charge into the Last 16, Mokoena’s praise highlights a shifting tide in global football hierarchy.
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