Best Performing African Football Teams in World Cup History

Earning Respect Through Results: How African Nations Challenged the World Cup Status Quo likesport.biz

Beyond the Underdog Label and on To Wreak Havoc

African football teams in the World Cup have had to drag respect out of the tournament the hard way. Not through nice possession numbers. Not through “plucky outsider” praise from broadcasters who barely watched the qualifiers. Through results.

Morocco reached the semifinal. Cameroon made Argentina sweat on opening night in 1990 and nearly dumped England out. Senegal arrived at its first World Cup and beat France before the French had even settled into the tournament. Ghana had a semifinal sitting 12 yards away in 2010.

So the order has to be about more than nostalgia. That is where the best African teams in World Cup history separate themselves.

BlogManchester united stadium enhancementsThe Evolution of Old Trafford: Modernizing a Football Landmark Old Trafford has been the heart of Manchester United for more than a hundred years. This historic ground has seen ...Open →

Morocco Set the Bar in 2022

Morocco is first because fourth place is fourth place. No African side had gone that far before Qatar 2022, and Morocco did not get there by catching one soft opponent on a lucky night.

The group was ugly on paper. Croatia had just played the 2018 final. Belgium still had enough names to scare people. Canada was quick, young, and awkward. Morocco finished above all three.

Spain came next. Not a fun game, unless you enjoy watching one team pass itself into frustration. Morocco let Spain have the ball, kept the middle packed, and waited. Then penalties came. Achraf Hakimi, born in Madrid, dinked the winning kick like he was messing about in training.

Cameroon Made the First Real Crack

Cameroon’s 1990 team still feels louder than some teams that went farther in other tournaments. They are a standout African team that qualified for the World Cup by beating Argentina 1-0 in Milan. Argentina were the defending champions. Diego Maradona was there. Cameroon finished with nine men and still did not collapse.

Roger Milla became the image everyone remembers, and fair enough. He scored, danced near the corner flag, and gave the run its face. But Cameroon was not a one-man novelty act. They beat Romania, got through the group, and knocked out Colombia in extra time.

Then came England. Cameroon were winning that quarterfinal. 2-1 up. Ninety minutes from the semifinal. England leveled at 2-2 before winning 3-2 during overtime. It is very painful to recall – not because Cameroon did not play well, but because they came so near. A door that was opened but never closed.

Still, the first African team to reach a World Cup quarterfinal.

Senegal Had No Business Being That Good in 2002

It was the first World Cup ever. First game: France. The defending champions. Senegal won 1-0, and Papa Bouba Diop’s shirt ended up on the pitch while his teammates danced around it. France looked lost.

Most teams would’ve taken that result and faded. Senegal just kept going. Drew with Denmark. They almost held onto their three-goal cushion against Uruguay before finishing 3-3, messy yes, but still alive. They knocked out Sweden in the last 16 through Henri Camara’s golden goal. They fell to Turkey in the quarter-finals through extra-time once more.

A quarterfinal in your debut tournament is borderline ridiculous. What made them good wasn’t one thing either — they were organized but not boring, fast but not sloppy, and physically they made every single opponent work for everything they got. This was a best performance by an African team in a World Cup

Ghana Came Close Enough to Leave a Scar

Ghana in 2010 is impossible to discuss calmly. Everyone knows the Uruguay match. Luis Suarez handled Dominic Adiyiah’s header on the line. Red card. Penalty. Last kick of extra time. Asamoah Gyan hit the bar. Uruguay won the shootout.

That is the wound. But Ghana was not just one dramatic ending. They beat Serbia. They drew with Australia. They got out of a group with Germany. Then they beat the United States 2-1 after extra time, with Gyan scoring the winner.

The setting matters too. This was the first World Cup in Africa, and Ghana was the last African team left. That can crush a side. Ghana did not play scared. They were disciplined, direct when needed, and brave enough to keep attacking even after the pressure got ridiculous.

Morocco finally crossed the semifinal line 12 years later. Ghana were one cleaner penalty from doing it first.

Nigeria Kept Coming Back to the Knockouts

Nigeria is odd to consider. First of all, they failed to get into a quarterfinal. Second, they have no clear-cut “elite” tournament like Morocco 2022, Cameroon 1990, or Senegal 2002. However, Nigeria managed to participate in the knockout stages three times – 1994, 1998, and 2014.

It’s true, there was some magic in that generation. They knocked Bulgaria out with a resounding 3-0 score, finishing ahead of Argentina as well. Facing Italy in the round of 16, they controlled the ball for almost the whole match, being in the lead until late when Baggio tied it. The game went into extra time and then to a penalty shootout.

There is something else about this era – they won nothing despite being one of the scariest opponents worldwide back in their time. More winners are coming, and all the World Cup Golden Boot betting odds can be found on the BetUS sportsbook.

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter says fresh investment in the club could allow some new players to join in the summer.

Exeter members will vote on a proposed takeover by American investors on Thursday - understood to be Black Knight Football Club that owns Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.

The Chiefs have extended the terms of a number of their players who were out of contract this summer, as well as agreeing deals to sign the likes of Crusaders' back Dallas McLeod,Saracens forward Harry Wilson and Bath centre Will Butt.

"We've got a little bit of room, but not loads and loads," Baxter said when asked how much of the Prem Rugby salary cap the club had available to spend.

"If you say, can we go out and get one player? Yeah, of course you can, but on the whole, we've got a pretty settled senior squad there with a good group of good players.

"Is there room for a specialist in a certain position? Potentially, yes, and that's probably what we would look at.

"But right here and now, we're not going to do that until we know exactly where we are financially longer term."

Should Exeter members approve the takeover proposals at the special general meeting at Sandy Park on Thursday evening the club would be the latest to have new investment in the Prem.

Energy drinks giant Red Bull took over Newcastle last August while Bath have been boosted by businessman James Dyson purchasing a 50% stake in the Prem champions.

"The majority of the discussions have happened with the members of the board who are far more business involved than I am - I'm very much the rugby voice on the board," added Baxter.

"But what I would say is that I'm very confident that it's a positive way forward for the club, otherwise it wouldn't be being brought to the members.

"I think that's the most important thing to say, the people who've looked at it, seen it, know the financial situation the club's in at the moment deem it a very positive move for the club."

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Paul Watson as Arsenal make a first men’s Champions League final in 20 years … and get an edge in the Premier League

Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts and join the conversation on email.

On today’s podcast: Arsenal reach the men’s Champions League final for the first time in 20 years, a timely-in-form Bukayo Saka with the decisive goal. They defended like we know they can defend – limiting Atlético to virtually nothing. The panel discuss why the whole affair wasn’t as nerve-wracking as it should have been.

The National League MVP race is already delivering plenty of excitement in the early stages of the 2026 MLB season, with a mix of global superstars, dynamic young talents, and veteran sluggers dominating headlines across the league. MLB.com’s latest MVP poll showcases just how competitive the NL has become, as several players are putting together performances capable of defining an entire season. From power hitters carrying playoff contenders to electrifying all-around athletes changing games in multiple ways, the race remains wide open heading into the heart of the schedule.

Leading the conversation once again is Shohei Ohtani, whose impact continues to transcend traditional baseball standards. Close behind him is Elly De La Cruz, one of the sport’s most electrifying young stars, while Matt Olson has continued to provide Atlanta with elite power production. Corbin Carroll’s speed and offensive explosiveness have helped fuel Arizona’s attack, and Nico Hoerner’s consistency has quietly turned him into one of the National League’s most valuable all-around contributors.

RELATED: MLB American League MVP race leaders

What makes this MVP race especially fascinating is the contrast in playing styles among the contenders. Some players dominate through overwhelming power, while others create value with speed, defense, versatility, and timely hitting. As teams begin separating themselves in the standings, every standout performance will carry even more weight in the MVP discussion. If the first few months are any indication, the National League race could remain one of baseball’s most compelling storylines all season long.

1. Shohei Ohtani — Los Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine greatness in baseball and remains the clear centerpiece of the National League MVP race. Even among a loaded Dodgers roster filled with stars, Ohtani consistently stands out with his elite power, plate discipline, and ability to deliver game-changing moments. Every at-bat feels like must-watch baseball because of the sheer damage he can inflict on opposing pitchers.

Beyond the numbers, Ohtani’s presence alone changes the energy of the Dodgers lineup. He has embraced the pressure of playing in Los Angeles while continuing to perform at an MVP-caliber level on the sport’s biggest stage. As long as he maintains this production, he will remain the player everyone else in the National League is chasing.

2. Elly De La Cruz — Cincinnati Reds

Elly De La Cruz has become one of baseball’s most electrifying stars thanks to his rare blend of speed, power, and athleticism. The Reds shortstop creates chaos every time he steps onto the field, whether it is with a towering home run, a stolen base, or a highlight-reel defensive play. Few players in the game can impact a contest in as many ways as De La Cruz.

What has elevated his MVP candidacy this season is his growing consistency at the plate. While his raw talent has never been questioned, he now looks more composed and disciplined against major league pitching. If Cincinnati continues to stay competitive in the playoff race, De La Cruz’s exciting style and production will keep him firmly in the MVP spotlight.

3. Matt Olson — Atlanta Braves

Matt Olson remains one of the premier power hitters in baseball and a critical force in the Braves’ lineup. His ability to consistently drive the ball out of the park has once again made him one of the league’s most feared middle-of-the-order bats. Olson’s power production has helped Atlanta maintain one of the most dangerous offenses in baseball.

In addition to his home-run totals, Olson continues to provide steady run production and reliable defense at first base. He has become one of the Braves’ most dependable players during key stretches of the season. With Atlanta expected to remain among the NL contenders all year, Olson’s contributions will continue to strengthen his MVP case.

RELATED: MLB home run leaders by the start of May

4. Corbin Carroll — Arizona Diamondbacks

Corbin Carroll continues to prove why he is one of the brightest young stars in Major League Baseball. His elite speed, aggressive baserunning, and improving offensive approach have made him a constant threat at the top of Arizona’s lineup. Carroll’s energy and athleticism consistently provide momentum for the Diamondbacks offense.

What makes Carroll especially valuable is his ability to impact games beyond the batter’s box. He covers tremendous ground defensively and regularly turns singles into doubles with his speed and instincts. As Arizona pushes to remain competitive in a tough National League landscape, Carroll’s all-around brilliance has made him indispensable.

5. Nico Hoerner — Chicago Cubs

Nico Hoerner may not always receive the same national attention as some of the league’s bigger stars, but his overall value to the Cubs cannot be overlooked. He has quietly developed into one of baseball’s most reliable table-setters thanks to his contact hitting, defensive versatility, and baseball intelligence. Hoerner consistently finds ways to contribute without needing overwhelming power numbers.

His consistency has become a major stabilizing force for Chicago’s lineup throughout the season. Whether it is delivering timely hits, making difficult defensive plays, or creating scoring opportunities with his speed, Hoerner impacts winning baseball in countless ways. If the Cubs remain firmly in postseason contention, his all-around contributions will continue earning serious MVP consideration.

Conclusion

The National League MVP race features an impressive mix of superstar power, rising talent, and complete all-around players. Shohei Ohtani currently leads the conversation, but challengers like Elly De La Cruz, Matt Olson, Corbin Carroll, and Nico Hoerner continue to make strong cases of their own. With several months left in the season, the battle for NL MVP is shaping up to be one of baseball’s most exciting storylines in 2026.