World Cup 2026 qualifying: High pressure as African nations turn to homegrown coaches

Even a big-money outlay on an African coach does not guarantee results.

Cisse, reportedly on a monthly salary of $83,000 (£62,000), had a rocky start with Libya, taking one point from an available six in Group D in March.

According to Nigerian officials, Chelle’s unique selling point was his knowledge of African football.

Hired on $600,000 (£448,000) a year, he started with a win over Rwanda, but was criticised by fans and media following a draw with Zimbabwe.

Maximum points are required against Rwanda and South Africa this month.

Elsewhere, McCarthy has earned praise for his attacking ethos with Kenya, but his initial results mean the East Africans can be discounted entirely from qualifying.

Meanwhile, one Football Kenya Federation official rubbished reports the former Manchester United first-team coach was earning $62,000 (£46,300) a month.

With four World Cup qualifying matchdays remaining, much could change as the pressure mounts.

But, having had a great deal of faith invested in them, who ends up in the nine guaranteed qualifying slots could open doors for more African coaches – or see them going back to being overlooked again.