As the most prestigious tournament in football, the FIFA World Cup brings together different countries from all continents, vying for the ultimate prize of being referred to as the ‘World Champions’. Since its inception in 1939, a total of 13 countries have represented Africa at the tournament.
Egypt became the first African nation at the event in 1934, while Morocco made history in 2022 with a fourth-place finish, recording the continent’s highest-ever finish. Check out the top 5 African nations with the most appearances at the World Cup.
Cameroon (8 appearances)
Cameroon have recorded the most appearances by an African country with eight. The Indomitable Lions made their debut at the 1982 tournament in Spain and have also participated in the 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2022 editions. They became the first country from Africa to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament, making this feat in the 1990 edition in Italy.
Cameroon defeated 1986 champions Argentina and Romania to reach the quarterfinals, before losing out to England.
Tunisia (6 appearances)
Tunisia are ranked second on this list, having recorded six appearances at the FIFA World Cup. The Carthage Eagles made their debut in the competition at the 1978 tournament in Argentina, making history in the process. They became the first African country to win a FIFA World Cup match, defeating Mexico 3-1 in their opening match.
Tunisia also participated at the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022 editions, and are the only country on this list to have never advanced beyond the group stages of the competition.
Nigeria (6 appearances)
Nigeria have the joint second-most appearances by an African country at the FIFA World Cup, along with Tunisia and Morocco, with six appearances. The Super Eagles made their debut at the 1994 tournament in the United States, reaching the knockout rounds.
Nigeria also featured at the 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018 editions. By reaching the round of 16 in 2014, they became the first African country to reach the round of 16 on three occasions.
Morocco (6 appearances)
Morocco have also featured at the FIFA World Cup on six occasions, with their debut coming in the 1979 edition in Mexico. The Atlas Lions also participated in the 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018 and 2022 editions, making history in the later tournament.
Morocco recorded the best performance by an African country in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, finishing fourth at the tournament. Also in the 1986 tournament, they became the first African country to reach the round of 16 and the first African team to qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
Ghana (4 appearances)
The Black Stars round up this list with four appearances at the FIFA World Cup. Ghana made their debut in 2006, reaching the round of 16, but it was in 2010 when they made history.
They became the first African country to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament before losing to Uruguay via penalty shootout.
