Egypt was the first African nation to qualify for World Cup in 1934

Africa led by Ghana protested the rule of playing a play-off match with Asia-Oceania team to qualify for 1966 World Cup. No African country featured in the 1966 World Cup. Until then only Egypt had played in the 1934 World Cup where they scored two goals but lost 4-2 to Hungary. Morocco went to 1970 World Cup that was won by Brazil and drew one match against Bulgaria but bowed out in the first round.

In 1974 Zaire (now DRC) national team, The Leopards' became the first Sub-Saharan country to play in the World Cup. They were the 1974 AFCON winners when they beat Zambia in post-match penalties.