Ranking the World Cup 2026 groups: Which teams are favourites to progress?
The first stage of the 2026 World Cup 2026 features 12 groups. We’ve ranked them and picked the favourites to advance.
![Former Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko (C) acknowledges his supporters as he becomes the new speaker of Senegal's National Assembly on May 26, 2026, at the National Assembly in Dakar [AFP]](https://aljazeeranews-mggx1uo47w.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afp_6a15839ec3c5-1779794846_4607d8-1779803547.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Morocco king pardons jailed Senegal football fans from AFCON final
Morocco jailed 18 Senegal fans following fan disturbances at the Africa Cup of Nations final in January.
Senegal’s President Faye sacks PM Sonko and dissolves government
The renewed instability could complicate bailout negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
From: NewsFeed
Senegal’s President Faye sacks PM Sonko as deepening rift erupts
Supporters of Senegal’s ousted prime minister have rallied outside his home in Dakar.
Published On 23 May 2026
Senegal PM slams West’s ‘homosexual tyranny’, defends LGBTQ crackdown
Human rights groups have criticised the government’s legislation targeting same-sex relationships.
Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly star picks in Senegal’s World Cup squad
Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr are other key players joining Mane in Senegal’s World Cup forward line.
Amid the fertiliser crisis, Africa has a chemical-free option: Agroecology
Amid the looming fertiliser crisis, African states should invest in sustainable agriculture to increase yields and food
EXPLAINER
Can Macron’s Kenya visit revive French influence in Africa?
France is facing deepening resentment in former African colonies where it once had political influence.
CAF is failing Africa’s World Cup fans
The confederation’s silence on US travel bans and visa restrictions for African fans is shameful.
Jailed Senegal fans deny wrongdoing in AFCON final chaos in Morocco
Jailed Senegal fans await judge’s reply to their denial of wrongdoing at the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
From: NewsFeed
Senegal PM labels Trump ‘agent of global destabilisation’
Senegalese prime minister Ousmane Sonko accused Donald Trump of plunging the world into “chaos”.
Published On 10 Apr 2026
