Senegal and Morocco are Africa’s biggest threat for 2026 World Cup – Ex-Germany star Gerald Asamoah

Former Germany international Gerald Asamoah has pointed to Senegal and Morocco as Africa’s leading contenders to shake up the 2026 FIFA World Cup, singling out the Lions of Teranga as the side most capable of delivering another major surprise on the global stage.

Speaking to Flashscore on Africa’s prospects at the expanded 48-team tournament, Asamoah was asked which of the continent’s 10 qualified nations could go furthest or cause the biggest upset.

His response focused less on individual brilliance and more on collective identity and cohesion.

“It’s not just about individuals; the unity in that team is special,” he said.

He highlighted Senegal’s core leadership group, referencing the influence of experienced figures such as Kalidou Koulibaly, and suggested that the team’s internal spirit remains its defining strength even as the squad continues to evolve.

“Players like Kalidou Koulibaly have been key, and even though it’s unclear how long some of their stars will remain, that spirit keeps them competitive. Morocco also has a very strong team, but if I had to pick one African side that could surprise again, I would go with Senegal.”

His remarks place Senegal slightly ahead in the pecking order of African hopefuls, despite the continued rise of Achraf Hakimi-inspired Morocco, which reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has since maintained much of the tactical discipline and structural organisation that defined their breakthrough run.

Morocco’s consistency has kept them among the continent’s elite, but Asamoah’s assessment underlines a growing belief that Senegal’s blend of experience, unity and resilience could once again make them Africa’s most dangerous tournament threat.

Morocco will come up against Brazil, Haiti and Scotland in Group C, while Senegal will play against Norway, Iraq and France in Group I.