Senegal and Morocco are Africa\u2019s best bets in the expanded FIFA 2026 World Cup, according to a model developed by Bloomberg Economics.<\/p>\n
Using a framework that combines footballing talent, demographics, and institutional and economic capital, Bloomberg Africa economist Yvonne Mhango generated Overperformance Potential Scores that rank Senegal as Africa\u2019s most likely team to exceed expectations at the 2026 World Cup, narrowly ahead of Morocco.<\/p>\n
Listen\/read: 2026 Fifa World Cup: Economic boost will not be felt by all<\/p>\n
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The tournament kicked off on Thursday when South Africa faced co-hosts Mexico on home soil. Mexico won the match 2-0.<\/p>\n
\u201cSenegal and Morocco combine elite football talent with favourable demographics and strong institutional foundations,\u201d she wrote in a report, noting that Ivory Coast came in third thanks to a deep talent pool and a young, growing population.<\/p>\n
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The model shows that nations most likely to punch above their weight \u2013 as Morocco did when it reached the semifinals in 2022 \u2014 have built deep pools of players competing in Europe\u2019s top leagues and consistently supply talent to elite clubs.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the other end of the table, South Africa and Cape Verde face the steepest challenge,\u201d she said. \u201cBoth score well on economic indicators, but weaker football capital and institutional foundations weigh on their prospects.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a9 2026 Bloomberg<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
#Senegal #Morocco #Africas #World #Cup #hopes #Bloomberg #Economics<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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