President of the Football Association of Zambia, Kalusha Bwalya believes the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup could improve Africa’s chances of making a deeper impact on the global stage.
Speaking to SABC Sport, the Former African Footballer of the Year reflected on how qualification opportunities for African teams have evolved over time.
“Of course, we always stand a better chance,” Bwalya said. “When we used to play, there were only two teams in the 1980s, and then it increased to three in the 1990s.”
He noted that the number of African representatives has steadily grown in recent decades, allowing more teams to gain exposure against top international opposition.
At least nine African nations have already secured qualification for the tournament in North America, including South Africa, Algeria, Cape Verde national football team, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.
Meanwhile, DR Congo national football team could still join them if they come through the FIFA play-off tournament.
“The difference now is that we are always going to play against good teams across the world,” he added, pointing to the competitive nature of the modern tournament.
Bwalya also highlighted how the draw can shape the fortunes of African nations, often placing them alongside strong teams from Europe and South America.
“If you look at the draw for the African teams, it’s sometimes favourable and sometimes not,” he explained. “You often find an African team grouped with a European side, a South American team, and possibly an Asian team.”
According to Kalusha Bwalya, success in such groups will depend on securing key results against stronger opponents while maximizing points against others.
He specifically referenced South Africa national football team, expressing hope that the side can rise to the challenge under head coach Hugo Broos.
“I hope Bafana will be up to the task when they face Mexico and South Korea,” he said, referring to a group that also includes a European opponent yet to be confirmed.
Kalusha Bwalya emphasised the importance of achieving at least a draw against European opposition while targeting victories against teams from Asia and CONCACAF.
“But you need a favourable result against a European team, preferably a draw, and then you have to beat the other teams,” he said. “The South American teams are very strong.”
His comments underline the challenges African teams continue to face, despite increased representation at the 2026 World Cup.
With the expanded format set to include more teams than ever before, expectations are rising that African nations can go beyond the group stage and compete more consistently at the highest level.
