For all Cape Verde's heroics, Africa's World Cup could and perhaps should have been better | Jonathan Wilson

A commentary by Jonathan Wilson evaluates Africa’s 2026 World Cup performance through both results and qualification policy, arguing that the continent’s “pyramid” now looks broader. Wilson references prior debates at CAF over whether five World Cup slots were enough for 54 member nations, noting that only 9% of African teams had historically been represented versus 50% from South America. The article says Africa received nine guaranteed slots plus a potential extra via intercontinental playoffs, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) mentioned in that context. It then compares throughput to the last 32, claiming nine African sides advanced from groups, while UEFA and Conmebol advanced 13 and five, respectively. Wilson highlights the aim of placing three African teams in the round of 16 for the first time—achieved by Morocco and Senegal, while Tunisia is cited for one of the worst performances in history.