Africans Have Been Underrated in Major Competitions – Thomas-Asante
Africa is celebrating a landmark moment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after nine of its ten representatives booked places in the Round of 32, underlining the continent’s growing influence on football’s biggest stage.
The unprecedented feat has sparked renewed discussions about the quality of African football, with players and analysts pointing to years of steady development that are now translating into success at the global tournament.
Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante believes the performances have finally silenced critics who have consistently questioned the ability of African nations to compete against the world’s elite.
The Black Stars attacker shared his thoughts after the final round of group matches confirmed the knockout places of the African qualifiers, leaving Tunisia as the only CAF representative to fall at the first hurdle.
Tunisia endured a disappointing campaign, losing all three matches despite replacing Sabri Lamouchi with Hervé Renard after their opening defeat.
Thomas-Asante Welcomes Africa’s Rise
Thomas-Asante said the achievements of African teams should come as no surprise, insisting the continent has always possessed the quality needed to excel at major tournaments.
“I think it says what it needs to say on the tin. I think for a long time, African nations have been doubted in what they can do at major competition,” he said.
The forward described the collective progress as a victory for African football, noting that the performances highlight the immense talent spread across the continent.
“I’m glad to see so much success among all of the African nations and it just shows how much talent there is all across the world and Africa is no different,” Thomas-Asante added.
He is optimistic that the current generation can continue breaking new ground as the tournament progresses. “I think that will continue to show itself in hopefully records being broken. Of course, we want to do that ourselves, but yeah, I think it’s only a positive thing,” he said.
Knockout Stage Presents Fresh Opportunities
The Round of 32 now offers African teams another opportunity to strengthen their growing reputation on the world stage.
Ghana will travel to Kansas City for a mouthwatering encounter with Colombia on July 4, with the Black Stars aiming to extend their impressive World Cup campaign into the last 16.
South Africa are set for a historic meeting with co-hosts Canada in the opening fixture of the knockout phase. The contest will mark the first World Cup knockout appearance for both nations, guaranteeing a memorable chapter regardless of who advances.
Morocco have been paired with the Netherlands in one of the standout ties, while Senegal’s Teranga Lions will test themselves against Belgium in another highly anticipated clash.
Côte d’Ivoire are also preparing for their maiden World Cup knockout match against Norway, while Egypt and Algeria will renew their continental rivalry in an all-African showdown.
Cape Verde will continue their fairytale campaign when they take on defending champions Argentina in the first knockout fixture in the nation’s World Cup history.
With nine African nations still chasing World Cup glory, the continent has already achieved a historic milestone. The focus now shifts to whether this record representation can be transformed into an equally historic run deep into the tournament.