Ten African nations are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup across Mexico, the United States and Canada, marking a historic first for the continent. Every participating team is guaranteed a minimum of $12.5 million, broken down as $2.5 million for preparation and $10 million for qualifying. From there, the prize money climbs steeply out of a record $871 million pot, with the champions taking home $50 million and a bronze-cored, gold-plated replica of the iconic 18-karat gold and malachite trophy.
Algeria's Desert Foxes are back after a 12-year absence, making their fifth World Cup appearance under coach Vladimir Petković. They face reigning champions Argentina, who arrive with Lionel Messi expected to lead the squad in what many believe will be his final World Cup. Captain Riyad Mahrez, who has also indicated this will be his last tournament, headlines Algeria's key players alongside Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza, Manchester City's Rayan Aït-Nouri and goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane.
Cape Verde make their World Cup debut as one of the smallest nations ever to reach the tournament, and the Blue Sharks have been handed a truly tough group: 2010 champions Spain, two-time winners Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, who famously beat Argentina 2-1 in the last edition. Ryan Mendes captains the side as the nation's all-time leader in caps and goals, while 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha brings experience and calm at the back. Forward Dailon Livramento, whose goals during qualifying already made him a national hero, and Villarreal's Logan Costa round out the players to watch. The run may be short, but the moment will be anything but.
Côte d'Ivoire return to the World Cup for the first time in over a decade, and they arrive in form. The Elephants topped their qualifying group unbeaten, with eight wins, two draws and the best goal difference on the continent. A historic pre-tournament win against France adds even more momentum to a squad that the three-time African champions will be counting on to finally break out of the group stages, something that has eluded them in every previous World Cup appearance.
Originally published by African Business.