#OutToLunch: Stronger African economies will create a World Cup winner

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion column by Denis Jjuuko arguing that Africa’s prospects of winning the football World Cup are closely tied to the strength of the continent’s economies. The column, posted on 25 July 2026, says the recently concluded tournament ended with Spain beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time, and notes that the competition had expanded to 48 teams, including 10 from Africa.

Jjuuko writes that African teams again fell short of the later stages, with Morocco the only side from the continent to reach the quarterfinals. He contrasts that with Morocco’s 2022 run to the semifinals in Qatar, which he describes as the deepest World Cup performance yet by an African team. The article frames Africa’s football challenge as paradoxical, given the sport’s huge popularity across the continent.

The writer’s central argument is that talent and passion are not enough without sustained investment. He points to weak sports funding, limited infrastructure, scarce high-quality coaching, and the cost of developing young players as barriers. He also suggests that parents often steer children away from sport because professional football careers are uncertain and usually short, while opportunities after retirement are limited.

Jjuuko concludes that stronger economies would help build professional leagues, attract better coaches, support club ownership and sponsorship, and create a wider sports business ecosystem. His view is that without broader economic growth, African national teams will continue to struggle to compete for football’s biggest prize.