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As excitement builds across Africa for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, conversations in many homes, offices, markets, and cities are gradually shifting from politics and economic challenges to football. Everywhere you go, football dominates the discussions. Expectations are growing day by day as the tournament approaches, uniting millions of fans across the continent in hope and anticipation. With the announcement of the final squads for the participating countries, the usual debates have begun. Coaches and football enthusiasts are questioning some of the selections, arguing that certain players should have been included, while others should have been excluded. For example, in Ghana, many fans have criticized some of the coach's decisions and continue to debate the reasons behind the inclusion of specific players.

However, this phenomenon is not unique to Ghana. Across Africa, football fans are passionately discussing their national teams and analyzing every squad announcement. Interestingly, the enthusiasm is evident even in countries that did not qualify for the tournament. Social media platforms and international media are filled with discussions, predictions, and expressions of support, as fans eagerly await the start of the competition. One of the paid television networks is running an advertisement with the tagline: "The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now, because everything else must WAIT." Shama Chol, a journalist from Juba in South Sudan, said: "The moment that millions of people around the world have been eagerly waiting for is finally here – a time for excitement, joy, and celebration. The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament; it is a global festival that brings together people of different cultures, backgrounds, and nations through the spirit of sportsmanship, friendship, and fair competition."

We are all ready to witness some of the most memorable moments in football history and to cheer on the teams and stars that will leave their mark on the world stage. Hearts will beat faster with every goal, celebrations will erupt with every victory, and the excitement of the competition will be felt in every match. Let us prepare for days filled with passion, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Let us make the 2026 FIFA World Cup a remarkable football journey – a journey that unites people and allows us to share the world's love for this beautiful game. Welcome to the World Cup, and welcome to the endless excitement!

Omar Saher, a journalistic friend of the Egyptian newspaper Almasry Alyoum, stated that the atmosphere in Egypt is incredible as the country prepares to participate in the World Cup.

According to him, there is a great deal of enthusiasm, pride, and hope among Egyptians. People are discussing the tournament everywhere – from cafes and workplaces to social media platforms. Fans are eager to see how far the national team can go, and many believe that this could be a memorable moment for Egyptian football. While expectations remain relatively modest, and most fans are realistic about Egypt's chances of making a deep run in the tournament, there is still a strong sense of optimism and ambition throughout the country. Omar added that much of this confidence stems from the presence of internationally recognized players, such as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, who compete at the highest levels of European football. Their experience and quality give fans hope that Egypt can be highly competitive and may even spring a few surprises on the world stage.

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Lassana Coulibaly, a journalist friend from Mali, stated that the mood surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup is largely subdued among the Malian public. While football remains extremely popular in the country, the Eagles' unsuccessful qualification campaign for the tournament disappointed many fans. According to Coulibaly, the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup evokes mixed feelings in Mali. The national team's campaign ended during the African qualifiers, where the Eagles finished third in their group, behind Ghana and Madagascar. This elimination was a significant blow to fans who hoped that Mali would, for the first time in history, reach the final stage of the World Cup. He explained that the disappointment is compounded by the country's ongoing security problems and the lack of fuel, which has shifted public attention to more pressing issues. As a result, Malians are not showing the same level of enthusiasm for the World Cup as they did during the tournament in Qatar in 2022.

Coulibaly added that there is currently only limited excitement surrounding the upcoming World Cup. Instead, the country's major sporting attention is focused on the African Taekwondo Championships, which will be held in Mali for the first time. Even within sports media circles, discussions about the World Cup are limited, and journalists are paying much more attention to local and continental sporting events. This version improves the flow, grammar, and journalistic style while preserving the original message and context. Yann Bossatsi, another journalist friend from Brazzaville, told me that the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup in the Republic of the Congo is relatively calm, as the country failed to qualify for this edition. However, the Congolese people are excited about the qualification of their neighbors, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who are returning to the World Cup after 52 years. They have already been promised massive support from across the river.

According to Kirtan Bhana, a fellow journalist from South Africa, there are moments in sport when history seems to pause, reflect on itself, and then confidently stride into the future. On June 11, 2026, when the South African Bafana Bafana will walk onto the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to face Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup, the world will witness one of these remarkable moments. Sixteen years ago, South Africa and Mexico co-hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup – the first tournament ever held on African soil. The memory of Siphiwe Tshabalala's stunning opening goal remains one of the most iconic moments in football history, accompanied by the unforgettable sound of the vuvuzela, heralding the arrival of Africa on the world football stage. Today, fate has reunited these two nations again, this time on North American soil, in what appears to be a symbolic passing of the torch between the hosts of football history.

For South Africans, this event evokes feelings of nostalgia, pride, and renewed optimism. The qualification of Bafana Bafana for the 2026 FIFA World Cup reflects the continued growth of a nation that has undergone profound transformation over the past three decades. The Republic of South Africa holds a unique place in world history. It remains the only country to have hosted the FIFA World Cup, the Rugby World Cup, and the Cricket World Cup. It has also hosted the Africa Cup of Nations on several occasions, consistently demonstrating the power of sport to unite people across cultures and backgrounds. The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents another historic milestone for Africa. For the first time, ten African nations have qualified for the world's largest football tournament, representing the continent's strongest showing on the global stage. Africa is not coming as an underdog hoping for an upset, but as a genuine footballing force capable of competing with the best.

Over the decades, African football has matured significantly. The talent and creativity of West Africa, the tactical discipline of North Africa, the resilience of Southern Africa, and the growing technical proficiency across the continent have transformed African teams into serious contenders for the title. The dream that once seemed distant – the possibility of an African nation winning the most coveted football trophy – is no longer confined to the realm of fantasy. Africa has produced world-class players, legendary clubs, and unforgettable moments at the World Cup. The next great chapter would be for an African nation to actually lift the World Cup trophy. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, is the first World Cup to be shared by three countries. It comes at a time of considerable global uncertainty.

Historically, the FIFA World Cup has been one of the few events capable of transcending political, cultural, and social divides. For one month, football reminds humanity of its shared passions, hopes, and dreams. Bafana Bafana enter the tournament as underdogs. Rankings may not place them among the favorites, and many experts will focus on the traditional footballing powerhouses. Nevertheless, every World Cup begins with the possibility, and that remains the enduring magic of this beautiful game. As the Republic of South Africa returns to the World Cup stage against Mexico, the echoes of 2010 will travel with them. So too will the hopes and dreams of a nation determined to leave its mark on the grandest stage in football.

Another Egyptian colleague, Mahmoud Hashem, says that the FIFA World Cup is seen in the country as almost a national holiday. According to him, preparations begin at least a month before the tournament, and thousands of football fans gather in cafes from morning till dawn, proudly wearing the jerseys of the Egyptian national team and their favorite clubs. Families, including children, often join these gatherings, while others organize home viewing parties. In light of Egypt's participation in the tournament, authorities also install giant screens in public spaces to allow large crowds to watch the matches. Football clubs and stadiums similarly provide opportunities for fans to watch. Hashem noted that whenever Egypt or any Arab or African team secures a victory, celebrations erupt across the country. Fireworks light up the sky, while motorists honk their horns, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere that reflects the nation's deep passion for football.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is particularly historic. It will be jointly hosted by three countries and will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup ever held. This expansion offers more opportunities for nations from Africa and other regions to compete on the world's biggest football stage. As the countdown continues, one thing is clear: Africa is ready. The passion, energy, and enthusiasm that are evident across the continent demonstrate the love that Africans have for this beautiful game. The dream is alive, and millions of Africans will cheer on their national teams as they strive to make history. Go, Africa, go! It's our time, and we will triumph. End.

Fiifi Nettey, media consultant, Accra

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