2026 World Cup: I am concerned about Africa’s chances – Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha

Former Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha has expressed scepticism about Africa’s chances of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that rising global competitiveness could make the path to glory even more difficult for the continent’s best sides.

Reflecting on his own World Cup memories, Okocha revisited Nigeria’s historic 1994 debut on the global stage with fondness, describing the experience as unforgettable.

“My abiding memory of 1994 was the amazing atmosphere. Add the fact that it was the first World Cup appearance by Nigeria and it was special,” he told reporters.

However, looking ahead to the tournament set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the former midfielder struck a more cautious tone.

“Regarding the 2026 tournament, I am concerned about the chances of an African team going all the way,” he noted, pointing to the growing strength of teams beyond the traditional powerhouses of Europe and South America.

He warned that the competitive landscape is shifting rapidly, with emerging football nations from other regions closing the gap.

“We talk a lot about the title contenders from Europe and South America, but what about the North Americans and Asians? They are improving rapidly.”

Despite his concerns, Okocha stressed that African football has repeatedly defied expectations on the global stage and remains capable of producing another breakthrough moment.

“I will be very happy to be proven wrong. African footballers have shocked the world before. Let us hope it happens again.”

Africa will be strongly represented at the tournament, with ten nations set to feature following FIFA’s expanded format. The qualified sides include Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.

The expanded 48-team World Cup is widely expected to offer African sides a greater platform and potentially deeper runs in the competition, even as debate continues over whether the continent is yet ready to mount a genuine challenge for football’s ultimate prize.