African groups have been handed considerably tough teams on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Friday’s draw, which confirmed that Mexico vs South Africa would be the opening match on the 87,523-capacity Estadio Azteca.
The fixture brings again recollections of the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg, the place Siphiwe Tshabalala scored a well-known aim in a 1–1 draw.
Sixteen years later, the 2 nations will open the match once more, this time in entrance of one among soccer’s most historic crowds.
Whereas the expanded World Cup presents Africa extra locations than earlier than, the draw exhibits that advancing previous the group stage will nonetheless be very powerful.
African groups handed tough begins
South Africa are again on the World Cup for the primary time since 2010 and can face hosts Mexico and a quick, disciplined South Korea in Group A.
Morocco, who made historical past by reaching the semi-finals in 2022, should tackle five-time champions Brazil and Scotland in Group C.
Ivory Coast will battle Germany and Ecuador in Group E, whereas Tunisia face a tricky problem towards the Netherlands and Japan in Group F.
Egypt return to the World Cup with Belgium and Iran ready in Group G, and Senegal — one among Africa’s strongest sides — are drawn towards former world champions France and Norway in Group I.
Algeria will meet Argentina and Austria in Group J, making it one other very demanding group for Africa.
Each African staff should be absolutely ready from the primary whistle.
Nigeria lacking once more — a painful reminder
For a lot of Nigerian followers, the draw was one other reminder of the nation’s latest struggles.
The Super Eagles will miss a second straight World Cup after failing to qualify, regardless of the expanded 48-team format anticipated to favour African sides.
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Nigeria’s absence feels even greater once you have a look at the matchups ready for different African groups. These are the varieties of worldwide exams Nigerian followers are used to seeing the Tremendous Eagles face — however this time, the nation will solely watch from the sidelines.
The main target now shifts to AFCON 2025, the place Nigeria should begin rebuilding if it hopes to return to the World Cup stage by 2030.
Full World Cup teams
Group A:
Mexico
South Korea
South Africa
Denmark / North. Macedonia / Czechia / Eire
Group B:
Canada
Switzerland
Qatar
Italy / Wales / North. Eire / Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group C:
Brazil
Morocco
Scotland
Haiti
Group D:
USA
Australia
Paraguay
Turkey / Romania / Slovakia / Kosovo
Group E:
Germany
Ecuador
Côte d’Ivoire
Curacao
Group F:
Netherlands
Japan
Tounisia
Ukraine / Sweden / Poland / Albania
Group G:
Belgium
Iran
Egypt
New Zealand
Group H:
Spain
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde
Group I:
France
Senegal
Norway
Iraq / Bolivia / Suriname
Group J:
Argentina
Austria
Algeria
Jordan
Group Ok:
Portugal
Colombia
Uzbekistan
DR Congo / Jamaica / New Caledonia
Group L:
England
Croatia
Panama
Ghana
