African teams have carved unforgettable chapters into World Cup history — from Roger Milla’s corner-flag celebrations to Morocco’s run to the last four.
Below is a detailed ranking of the top 10 African countries with the most FIFA World Cup appearances, listed from the 10th most to the fewest.
Each section explores the years they qualified, their best performances, and memorable achievements.
10. Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
Ivory Coast made their World Cup debut in 2006 and followed it up with consecutive qualifications in 2010 and 2014. The Elephants arrived with a golden generation featuring Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Kolo Touré.
Despite their talent, tough group draws prevented them from reaching the knockout stages. Their debut win against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 remains a proud moment, marking the arrival of a powerhouse in African football.
The Elephants are top of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, Group F, one point ahead of Gabon, with the final round of matches left to be played.
A win will definitely take them to their fourth World Cup. A defeat might still do that, but through the route of the best second-best teams, who will have to play continental play-offs to secure a ticket.
9. Senegal 🇸🇳
Senegal burst onto the world stage in their debut at Korea/Japan 2002, stunning defending champions France in the opening game and marching all the way to the quarter-finals.
The Teranga Lions became only the second African team to achieve that feat. After a 16-year absence, they returned in 2018 and again in 2022, reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar.
Led by Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal continues to embody Africa’s fighting spirit on the world stage.
With their 21 points, two more than 2nd-placed DR Congo, and a final group game against one of the minnows in Group B, Mauritania, Senegal will more than likely make it to a fourth FIFA World Cup.
8. South Africa 🇿🇦
South Africa has appeared in three tournaments: 1998, 2002, and 2010. Their 2010 campaign remains historic as they hosted the first-ever World Cup on African soil.
The vuvuzelas, dance celebrations, and the iconic opening goal by Siphiwe Tshabalala defined the tournament’s spirit. Although Bafana Bafana did not advance past the group stage, they earned global admiration and left a lasting legacy for African football development.
On 15 points and in 2nd place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the Bafana Bafana are not out of contention for direct or indirect qualification yet, ahead of the final round of games.
With their last group game against a relatively weaker Rwanda, while first-placed Benin has to play Nigeria, who themselves would want to win to qualify, SA’s chances of making 2026 are looking very good.
7. Egypt 🇪🇬
Egypt’s World Cup history is marked by long gaps between appearances. They first qualified in 1934, becoming one of Africa’s earliest representatives. After that, the Pharaohs returned in 1990 and again in 2018.
Despite limited success in progressing beyond the group stage, Egypt has produced moments of pride, such as Essam El-Hadary’s record-breaking appearance in 2018 as the oldest player in World Cup history at 45 years old.
Their consistent continental dominance contrasts with their rare but significant World Cup appearances. On 23 points already, 6 points more than 2nd-placed Burkina Faso, the Pharaohs have already booked their place in at a fourth FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico 2026.
6. Ghana 🇬🇭
Ghana have made four World Cup appearances: 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their debut in 2006 saw them reach the Round of 16, but it was the 2010 tournament that etched their name into World Cup folklore.
The Black Stars reached the quarter-finals and came within a penalty kick of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Despite heartbreak against Uruguay, that run remains one of Africa’s greatest football stories.
Ghana’s blend of youth and passion continues to inspire new generations as they all but secure a fifth FIFA World Cup appearance in the US, Canada & Mexico with a 3 points lead over 2nd-placed Madagascar in their qualifying group I, and an 8 goals difference ahead of the final round of games.
5. Algeria 🇩🇿
Algeria’s World Cup journey spans four editions: 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014. Their 1982 debut is legendary, highlighted by a stunning 2–1 victory over West Germany. Unfortunately, they were controversially eliminated due to the infamous “Disgrace of Gijón.”
In 2014, the Fennecs reached the Round of 16, pushing eventual champions Germany into extra time before bowing out. That performance symbolised Algeria’s resilience and tactical evolution.
On 22 points and four points ahead of 2nd-placed Uganda with the final round of matches still to come, Algeria have already booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a fifth appearance.
4. Nigeria
Nigeria have featured in six World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018. The Super Eagles’ debut in 1994 was electrifying as they advanced to the Round of 16, narrowly losing to Italy.
Nigeria repeated that Round of 16 achievement in 1998, 2014, and 2018. Known for their flair and athleticism, the Super Eagles produced unforgettable talents like Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, and Ahmed Musa.
However, a 7th FIFA World Cup appearance hangs in the balance for the Super Eagles, who find themselves at 3rd place in Group C, one point behind 2nd-placed South Africa and 3 points behind 1st-placed Benin ahead of the final round of games.
3. Tunisia 🇹🇳
Tunisia have appeared in six World Cups: 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022. Their 1978 campaign made history when they became the first African nation to win a World Cup match, defeating Mexico 3–1.
Despite frequent group-stage exits, the Carthage Eagles remain among Africa’s most consistent qualifiers, often dominating the North African region. Their victory over defending champions France in 2022 added another proud chapter to their World Cup history.
With a 10-point gap on 2nd-placed Namibia in their FIFA World Cup Qualifying group, Tunisia will be making a 7th appearance at the global showpiece in the US, Canada & Mexico.
2. Morocco 🇲🇦
Morocco’s six World Cup appearances (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022) have been full of milestones. They were the first African team to reach the Round of 16 in 1986 and made history again in 2022 as the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, finishing fourth overall.
That campaign, led by Ashraf Hakimi, Ziyech and Sofyan Amrabat, inspired a continent and showcased the tactical maturity of African football. Morocco’s 2022 performance set a new standard for future generations.
With a 19-point lead on 2nd-placed Niger, Morocco long booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, & Mexico for a 7th appearance.
1. Cameroon 🇨🇲
Cameroon tops the list with eight World Cup appearances: 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2022.
Their 1990 run remains iconic as they became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, led by the ageless Roger Milla, whose dance at the corner flag became part of football folklore.
Despite mixed results in later editions, the Indomitable Lions’ longevity and influence on global football remain unmatched in African history.
It would, however, seem a 9th appearance for Cameroon might need some miracle to happen with the Indomitable Lions 2 points behind Cape Verde, ahead of the final round of games that will see them play a tougher Angola side and Cape Verde face the bottom of the group, Eswatini.
🔚Conclusion:
From Egypt’s 1934 debut to Morocco’s 2022 heroics, Africa’s World Cup journey has been filled with inspiration, resilience, and progress.
Each of these ten nations has contributed uniquely to shaping the continent’s global football identity. With more talent emerging across Africa, the future promises even greater stories on the world’s biggest stage.
🔗You can check out today’s games on MSport.
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