Deutsche Welle Under the Baobab

World Cup 2026: How can African nations' teams fix performance gaps

Loading player...
The 2026 World Cup is officially in the books, leaving behind a fascinating puzzle for African football. Ten African teams arrived; nine made history by storming into the knockouts. But it was only pushed to the quarter-finals. As we analyze the performance gaps holding the continent back, we demand accountability: How will Africa truly benefit from the billions?
17 Jul English Germany News

Other recent episodes

Is Zambia sliding into autocracy?

Opposition leaders arrested. Election petitions blocked. Zambia's government says democracy is intact, but critics disagree. We ask UPND's Elvis Nkandu: What's really happening in Zambia after the 2026 election?
23 Oct 29 min

Has the Multinational Joint Task Force failed Nigeria?

He commanded the Multinational Joint Task Force and led the Nigerian Army at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency. Yet jihadist violence spread while military coups returned to West Africa. So what went wrong?
11 Sep 29 min

Why is Sierra Leone changing its election rules?

Sierra Leone wants to change key election rules, including lowering the presidential threshold from 55% to 50%+1. The opposition is challenging the reforms in court. Will they strengthen democracy or weaken voter power?
21 Aug 29 min
All episodes