Gambia

Gambia

The Gambia national football team, nicknamed the Scorpions, represents the small West African nation in international football under the Gambia Football Federation, a FIFA member since 1968. Historically modest in international competition, Gambia made a historic breakthrough by qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2021 (held in early 2022), reaching the quarter-finals on their debut — a remarkable achievement for the nation. The squad features several Europe-based players, including Musa Barrow (Bologna) and players from English and other European leagues. The Scorpions compete in CAF World Cup qualifiers and AFCON qualifying campaigns, building momentum off their 2022 AFCON success. Under coach Tom Saintfiet, Gambia established itself as an emerging force in African football.