Can an African team win the World Cup?

The World Cup is an event that brings all the continents of the world together. As far as winning it goes, it's become somewhat of a closed shop. It has either been Europe or South America that has won the previous 21 tournaments. The last four champions have come from the northern hemisphere, giving Europe the edge.

Could 2022 be the year of change? Could an African nation be that change and lift football's biggest prize?

Frank Leboeuf won the World Cup with France in 1998 - and he believes that one African side competing in Qatar has a realistic chance of going all the way.

In 2002, France began their title defence with a loss to Senegal, but 20 years later, Leboeuf believes the west African side is even better now than they were back then.

"You are complete when you have Sadio Mane up front and Edouard Mendy at the back and all the players in the middle. And that's why I think it's possible."

There is no doubt that African footballers are making an impact at the highest levels of football. Sadio Mane (Senegal), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), and Karim Benzema are currently the frontrunners for the 2022 Ballon d'Or.

Progress is being made. However, history tells us that African teams won't be able to end European/South American dominance anytime soon.

1934: Egypt are the first African country to take part

1970: Morocco earns the first point for an African team

1978: Tunisia become the first African team to win a game

1982: Algeria beat West Germany

1986: Morocco progressed to Round of 16

1990: Cameroon reach Quarter-Finals

1994: Roger Milla became the oldest goalscorer, aged 42 years old

2002: Senegal advanced to Quarter-Finals before losing to Turkey

2010: South Africa host World Cup

2014: Two African teams make the Round of 16 (Algeria &