Why Do African Teams Fail At The World Cup?

1934 was the first time an African country featured at the FIFA
World Cup after Egypt qualified for the tournament in Italy. The
continent would, however, not have a representative at the
competition until 1970. But since then, there has been a streak
of 13 straight FIFA World Cup tournaments with, at least, one
African country present. 2022 makes it 14.


But in all these tournaments where we’ve had African
representation, the furthest a team from the continent has ever
gone is the quarter finals.


Before you think that’s not so bad, compare it with the continent
of Asia which has had representation in 15 World Cup tournaments
and has managed to produce a country which finished in 4th place.


North America, a continent which obviously does not have as much
talent as Africa, even if you add Central America and the
Caribbeans, has produced a country which won bronze at a World
Cup tournament.


And yeah, you could argue that Ghana were literally just one
Suarez hand and then a penalty kick away from a 3rd or 4th place
finish in 2010, but we honestly still don’t think that’s enough
excuse for a continent blessed with that much talent. Africa
should be regulars in the semis, at least.


I mean, the continent is home to the likes of Mo Salah, Sadio
Mane, Frack Kessie, and Riyad Mahrez, and before them, it has
been home to the likes of George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, Jay Jay
Okocha, and Yaya Toure. But the farthest an African country has
gone at the World Cup is the quarter finals? Why?