African football has been growing over the years, with many countries showcasing their brilliance, which is evident in FIFA World Cup wins.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that a total of 13 nations have represented Africa at the FIFA World Cup, with the first being Egypt.
As a continent, Africa has recorded a total of 37 FIFA World Cup wins with a total of 157 goals.
The first FIFA World Cup win by an African country was recorded by Tunisia in 1978 when they defeated Mexico in their opening Group 2 match in Rosario, Argentina. Also, Nigeria has recorded the most FIFA World Cup wins than any African country.
Also, the first African goal scorer was Abdel Rahman Fawzi, who netted a double for Egypt against Hungary in Naples in the 1934 finals. The last African goal at the World Cup came from Morocco defender Ashraf Dari in the early minutes of the third and fourth place playoff match against Croatia in Qatar in 2022.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, here’s a look at the top 10 African countries with the most appearances and performances;
Cameroon (8 Appearances)
Cameroon leads the pack with eight FIFA World Cup appearances. The Indomitable Lions have played 26 matches, securing 5 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses. Their standout moment came in 1990 when they reached the quarter-finals, a historic feat for African football.
Morocco (6 Appearances)
Morocco, with six FIFA World Cup appearances, has been a strong contender from Africa. Across 23 matches, they’ve earned 5 wins, 7 draws, and 11 losses. Their 2022 campaign was historic, reaching the semi-finals—the furthest an African team has ever gone.
Nigeria (6 Appearances)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles also boast six appearances, playing 21 matches with 6 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses. Nigeria’s best performances include reaching the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998, and 2014.
Tunisia (6 Appearances)
Tunisia matches Nigeria with six appearances but has struggled to convert opportunities, with 3 wins, 5 draws, and 10 losses in 18 matches. Their first World Cup win in 1978 remains a highlight for the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
Ghana (4 Appearances)
Ghana’s four appearances include 15 matches, with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. The Black Stars shone in 2010, reaching the quarter-finals.
Algeria (4 Appearances)
Algeria has four appearances, playing 13 matches with 3 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. Their 2014 campaign, reaching the Round of 16, was their major standout in the competition.
Senegal (3 Appearances)
Senegal, with three appearances, has impressed in 12 matches, securing 5 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses. Their 2002 debut saw them stun defending champions France and reach the quarter-finals.
Ivory Coast (3 Appearances)
Ivory Coast’s three appearances resulted in 3 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses in 9 matches. Despite star-studded squads featuring players like Didier Drogba, they’ve yet to advance past the group stage.
South Africa (3 Appearances)
South Africa, the 2010 World Cup host, has three appearances with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses in 9 matches.
Egypt (3 Appearances)
Egypt rounds out the list with three appearances but no wins, recording 2 draws and 7 losses in 9 matches. The Pharaohs continue to chase their first World Cup victory.
Beyond the top 10, Angola (1 appearance), Togo (1), and Zaire (now DR Congo, 1 in 1974) have also represented Africa, bringing the total to 13 nations.
