Sudan national team coach James Kwesi Appiah has expressed optimism that African and Arab nations are well positioned to make a significant impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on 11 June.
Appiah, who is currently in his fourth year in charge of Sudan, believes the tournament presents a valuable opportunity for teams from both regions to elevate their status on the global stage and gain wider respect in international football.
In comments given in an exclusive interview, the Ghanaian coach highlighted what he described as a growing competitiveness among African and Arab sides, and encouraged them to take advantage of the expanded tournament format to advance further than in previous editions.
Pride in Ghana’s Return to the World Stage
Appiah also spoke about the enthusiasm in his home country following Ghana’s qualification for the World Cup, noting widespread celebrations in Accra and other cities.
He expressed satisfaction at seeing the national team return to football’s biggest stage, while also reflecting on their past performances in earlier tournaments.
“I am delighted that the team will be making a new appearance in the World Cup. We have delivered outstanding performances in previous editions of the tournament.”
He added that the excitement surrounding qualification reflects the importance of the World Cup to supporters across the country and the wider continent.
“I witnessed celebrations in Accra and various cities in preparation for a new appearance in the World Cup, and I hope that the current edition will witness a clear leap for my country’s team and for the African teams, and I believe that the opportunity is available to them to take a giant and important step in the course of the tournament.”
Confidence in Arab Nations’ Progress
Appiah also turned his attention to Arab teams competing at the tournament, stating that their recent performances suggest steady improvement and growing competitiveness.
He said he had followed their progress closely in regional and continental competitions, including the Arab Cup in Doha and the Africa Cup of Nations, where he observed what he described as clear development in quality and consistency.
“I watched the Arab teams in the Arab Cup Doha 2025, and I also followed them in the last version of the African Cup of Nations, and I noticed a clear development in their level and I expect them to present a good version.”
He added that the current balance between leading African and Arab teams makes it difficult to single out one side as a clear standout, suggesting that several nations are capable of progressing deep into the tournament.
“In the 2026 World Cup, it is difficult to name a specific team that will reach an advanced stage, as teams like Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt have similar levels and all have the opportunity to advance in the tournament, and they have great stars who play for top-tier clubs and outstanding young players who do not lack ambition.”
A Call for Continued Progress
The Sudan coach stressed that success for African and Arab teams at the World Cup would not only be a source of national pride but also help strengthen the global reputation of football in both regions.
He said strong performances would contribute to greater recognition and respect on the international stage, particularly against traditionally dominant regions such as Europe and South America.
“I wish the African and Arab teams success and further progress, and I am pleased that they are in the World Cup. I believe that their progress in the tournament is a source of pride and contributes to more respect and admiration for African football, and puts them among the great teams that are appreciated. I believe that the African and Arab teams that succeeded in reaching the current edition can achieve great successes.”
Looking Ahead
Appiah concluded by reflecting on his personal ambition to have been part of the tournament with Sudan, while maintaining that the current edition represents an important moment for teams from Africa and the Arab world.
“I was hoping to be present with the Sudanese national team, and I believe that the 2026 World Cup is a good opportunity for African and Arab teams to see their true level compared to their counterparts from Europe and Latin America after the gaps have been narrowed. The opportunity is now ripe to achieve great successes, as the football landscape has changed a lot in recent years. I wish them the best of luck.”
As the tournament progresses, his comments underline a growing belief among some coaches that the competitive gap in world football is narrowing, offering new possibilities for teams outside the traditional powerhouses.
