Is the 2026 World Cup Africa's time?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a historic one for Africa as it will be the first edition to feature at least nine African teams, including a triumphant return for Bafana Bafana for the first time since 2010.

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If the Democratic Republic of Congo win the Inter-Confederation playoffs, this will take African spots to 10. The tournament will include some of Africa's regular qualifiers such as Tunisia, Morocco and Ghana, while South Africa, Ivory Coast and Algeria return after lengthy absences. Cape Verde also become the latest country to make their FIFA World Cup debut. Soccer Laduma's Matthew Petersen looks at how each team qualified for the World Cup, their key players to watch, as well as each nation's history at the FIFA World Cup.

South Africa

Bafana Bafana make a return to the global tournament after a 16-year absence far too long for a country that has produced the level of talent South Africa has. As the only African nation to host the FIFA World Cup, Bafana hold strong pedigree at the tournament.

Hugo Broos' side made heavy work of their qualifying campaign after fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho back in March, which led to FIFA docking them three points and putting their qualification hopes in jeopardy.

However, a win over Rwanda in their final game, coupled with Nigeria's win over Benin, meant South Africa claimed first place in Group C to book their spot in North America.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Ronwen Williams remains South Africa's key figure. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper has been a mainstay under Hugo Broos, and his talent and experience will be vital to Bafana's hopes.

WORLD CUP FUN FACT

South Africa were the first African country to host a FIFA World Cup in 2010.

WORLD CUP HISTORY

World Ranking: 61 (11th in CAF)

Coach: Hugo Broos

Captain: Ronwen Williams

Previous Appearances: 3 (1998, 2002, 2010)

Best Finish: Group Stage (All)

Most World Cup Games: Quinton Fortune/Lucas Radebe/Benni McCarthy/Aaron Mokoena (6)