Sudan national team living World Cup 2026 dream
Sudan national team represents a nation rich in football tradition, is gearing up for a challenging but exciting journey towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As one of the founding members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Sudan has a long history of participation in international competitions. However, qualifying for the World Cup has been elusive.
The 2026 World Cup, with an expanded field of 48 teams, presents a unique opportunity for Sudan to make its mark on the global stage. The team’s performance in the qualifiers will undoubtedly be a significant test of their capabilities and determination.
Sudan’s Quest for a Historic World Cup Appearance
Sudan national team are flying high at the top of their World Cup qualification group, despite facing significant African qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 26™, the Falcons of Jediane currently sit top of their group after the first four matches, with 10 points, ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions, Senegal.
Sudan have not reached that position by chance, but rather thanks to the incredible efforts of all involved in Sudanese football and support from outside the country.
Appiah magic
Sudan national team coach “Kwesi Appiah” speaks exclusively to FIFA about why reaching World Cup 2026 would ‘transform’ the mindset of his players.
Throughout his storied career, James Kwesi Appiah has remained faithful to his principles. The former Ghana defender has only ever known African football – and his passion for the developing the game on the continent burns as strongly as ever.
“Reaching the World Cup would be a great springboard for the development of football in the country. Administratively, it would make things much easier. It could also change the lives of my players. Currently, there are only two professionals in the squad.
If we were to qualify for a World Cup, they could perform on the biggest stage and then tell themselves that they too were capable of playing in Europe. That’s something that would transform their mindset. You cannot imagine how much happiness a World Cup participation would bring to all of Sudan.” Said Appiah
The 63-year-old and his team have had to work in some difficult conditions, with Sudan currently in the throes of a ravaging civil war that started over a year ago and shows no signs of ending anytime soon. Yet even during a period that has seen the Sudanese people find little comfort elsewhere, the national side has been an oasis of delight.
Appiah’s appointment as Sudan national team has, thus far, proved worth the wait; the long-term effects, on and off the pitch, may be even more impactful.
Sudan national team dream
Sudan national team participation in the World Cup qualifiers began with the sixth edition, specifically the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, following Sudan’s independence in 1956. Since that edition, the Falcons of the Jeddan have participated 13 times in the qualifiers and withdrew 4 times for various reasons.
The Sudanese national team has been eliminated in the first round of the qualifiers five times and reached the second stage eight times, of which six were decisive for qualifying for the finals. Sudan began participating in the qualifiers for the World Cup and the African continent, holding only half a spot in the finals. It is now embarking on a new journey in the World Cup qualifiers hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026, following the increase of African spots to nine. The dream of reaching the global football celebration for the first time still lingers in the hearts of Sudanese people.
Sudan’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup is filled with both challenges and opportunities. The team faces a tough road ahead, but with the right preparation and determination, they can achieve their dream of qualifying for the biggest football tournament in the world. The nation’s football fans will be eagerly following their progress and hoping for a historic moment in Sudanese football history.
