It's not just Cape Verde: African soccer is having a World Cup moment

Supporters of Morocco wave flags and cheer during a watch party for the FIFA World Cup match against Brazil in Paterson, N.J. on June 13. Carolina Herrera for NPR hide caption toggle caption Carolina Herrera for NPR HOUSTON — Cape Verde, the surprise star of the 2026 World Cup , is having a moment. This is the first World Cup for the small island nation , and yet, the squad has managed to hold its own against soccer powerhouses like Spain and Uruguay. And it's not just Cape Verde: African teams are playing big in this year's tournament, against soccer legends that are performing unevenly. Egypt is having a historic run. Ghana made it impossible for England to score a goal. And the Democratic Republic of Congo tied mighty Portugal. The most stellar performance so far from an African nation in this World Cup has been Morocco, leading with seven goals. It's hardly their first time making a big splash at the tournament: in the last World Cup , in 2022, they made it to the semifinals — a first for an African team. At their recent game against Brazil in East Rutherford, N.J., Moroccan superfan Mustapha Chliah told NPR, it's time to stop calling them underdogs. "We're here for the title. Underdogs? That was like back in 1998. But in 2026, in America, we're gonna prove 2022 wasn't a fluke." Mustapha Chliah, a Morocco supporter, poses for a portrait holding a Moroccan flag before the Brazil vs. Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match in Paterson, N.J., on June 13. …