The spotlight at the 2026 FIFA World Cup shifts firmly onto Africa this week as Ghana and DR Congo begin their campaigns, while former champions England launch another bid for global glory. For football fans across Uganda and East Africa, Wednesday and Thursday promise a feast of action, with the continent’s representatives carrying the hopes of millions eager to see Africa continue its impressive start at the expanded 48-team tournament. The first African team in action will be DR Congo, who face Portugal in a highly anticipated Group K encounter on Wednesday night. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 pm East Africa time. The match marks a historic moment for the Congolese, who are appearing at the World Cup for only the second time in their history and their first since competing as Zaire in 1974. Their return after a 52-year absence has become one of the tournament’s most emotional stories. For a country that has recently dominated international headlines for reasons unrelated to sport, including concerns over the Ebola outbreak, the World Cup presents an opportunity to showcase a different side of the nation. The Leopards will be underdogs against a Portugal side captained by global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, but there is growing confidence within the Congolese camp. Led by experienced forwards Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu, DR Congo have built a reputation for discipline, organisation and resilience. A positive result against Portugal would not only boost their chances of progressing from Group K but would also represent a landmark achievement for a nation still searching for its first- ever World Cup victory. Attention then turns to Ghana, who open their campaign against Panama in Toronto at 2 am East Africa time on Thursday. For many Ugandan football fans, Ghana’s appearance at the World Cup evokes memories of the unforgettable 2010 tournament in South Africa. The Black Stars came agonisingly close to becoming Africa’s first World Cup semi-finalists before suffering a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Uruguay. Now making their fifth World Cup appearance, Ghana return determined to recreate some of that magic. The Black Stars possess a talented squad blending youthful energy with international experience and will view Panama as a crucial opportunity to make a strong start. Victory would immediately strengthen their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages and reignite dreams of another memorable World Cup run. ENGLAND EAGER Elsewhere, former champions England begin their campaign against Croatia in Group L on Wednesday night at 11 pm East Africa time. The 1966 world champions enter the tournament among the favourites and will be eager to start strongly against a Croatian side that has consistently performed above expectations on the international stage over the last decade. England’s blend of established stars and emerging talent has generated optimism among supporters who believe this could finally be the tournament that ends the country’s long wait for a second World Cup title. As Africa continues to make its presence felt through a record 10 representatives at the tournament, hopes remain high that the continent can once again challenge football’s traditional powers. From Morocco’s impressive start to the emotional return of DR Congo and Ghana’s quest to relive past glory, Africa’s World Cup story is only just beginning. The coming days could provide another chapter in the continent’s growing influence on football’s biggest stage.The post Focus turns to Ghana, DR Congo appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.