Henri Camara, former Senegal star, expresses confidence that an African team, potentially Senegal, can reach the FIFA World Cup final, highlighting the continent’s growing football prowess. Seen here: Senegal's Sadio Mane (left) and Morocc's Achraf Hakimi. Picture: AFP
Image: AFP
Former Senegal star Henri Camara believes an African nation can go all the way to the FIFA World Cup final.
The 49-year-old was part of the Senegal side that reached the quarter-finals at the 2002 World Cup, a run that remains one of African football’s greatest achievements on the global stage.
Despite still having work to do to reach the Round of 32, Senegal remain in contention to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
On Friday evening, Senegal take on Iraq, with both sides heading into the clash after losing their opening two matches.
Camara admitted 2026 may not be the year Senegal make history, but believes the country has too much talent to rule out another memorable run.
“I would love Senegal to be the first African nation to win the World Cup and I think we will be one day. I don’t know if it will be this year, but I’d like us to finish in the last four, to reach the semi-finals,” Camara told IOL via Parimatch.
“With the players we have, I think Senegal can go far. That said, what Morocco showed against Brazil was very strong. I think Morocco will also be there in the later stages.
“We’ll see which teams reach the final, but I’d like to see an African team get there this year.”
South Africa, meanwhile, have already made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time and will look to keep the continent’s hopes alive when they face Canada in their Round of 32 clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.