The 8 Greatest African World Cup Matches of All Time

Games That Stopped the Continent

These are the matches that made Africa hold its breath, punch the air, and in some cases, weep. Ranked by significance, drama, and lasting impact.

8. Cameroon 0–0 Italy, 1982

Cameroon held the eventual winners to a draw in their debut World Cup match. A sign of what was coming eight years later.

7. Morocco 3–0 Portugal, 2022

Youssef En-Nesyri's header. Cristiano Ronaldo introduced as a substitute with Portugal losing. Morocco, untroubled, advancing to the semi-finals. A statement win.

6. Nigeria 3–2 Spain, 1998

Nigeria came from behind to beat Spain 3–2 at France 98 in a pulsating group-stage match. Tijani Babangida's late winner sent the Super Eagles through in style.

5. Senegal 1–0 France, 2002

World champions. Opening day. Papa Bouba Diop. Shirts off. The shirts-off dance. Need we say more?

4. Cameroon 2–1 Colombia, 1990 (AET)

Roger Milla, twice, off the bench. Including a famous goal after stealing the ball from Colombia's goalkeeper. One of the most joyful goals in World Cup history.

3. Ghana 2–1 USA, 2010

On African soil. Asamoah Gyan's winning goal. The whole continent celebrating an African nation advancing in Africa's World Cup.

2. Algeria 2–1 West Germany, 1982

The original African upset. Madjer. Belloumi. The result that changed everything.

1. Morocco 0–0 Spain (3–0 pens), 2022

Bounou's two saves. The post. The celebrations from Casablanca to Cairo. The greatest African World Cup result of all time.