In a landmark achievement for African football, nine out of the continent’s 10 representatives have advanced to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting a new record for the deepest collective performance by CAF nations in tournament history.
The expanded 48-team format has proven a boon for Africa, rewarding competitive displays across a record 10 qualifying teams.
Only Tunisia failed to progress, while Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal, Ghana, DR Congo, and Algeria all booked their places in the knockout stage.
South Africa’s progression was particularly dramatic.
The Bafana Bafana clinched second place in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico with a crucial late victory over South Korea, marking their first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockouts.
Morocco, fresh off strong showings in recent tournaments, finished as runners-up in Group C behind Brazil, while Côte d’Ivoire impressed as runners-up in Group E.
Debutants Cabo Verde wrote a fairytale chapter by advancing from Group H, and powerhouses like Senegal and Ghana demonstrated resilience to secure qualification.
DR Congo and Algeria rounded out the African contingent by advancing as two of the eight best third-placed teams.
Tough Tests Await in the Round of 32
The knockout stage, which kicked off on Sunday, June 28, presents formidable challenges.
Confirmed and projected matchups include:
South Africa vs Canada
Netherlands vs Morocco
Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway
England vs DR Congo
Belgium vs Senegal
Switzerland vs Algeria
Australia vs Egypt
Argentina vs Cabo Verde
Colombia vs Ghana
Additional African sides, including Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, and Cabo Verde, face similarly demanding opponents drawn from Europe and the hosts.
Analysts view Morocco as the team best positioned for a deep run, given their organization and pedigree.
Several other African nations, however, possess the talent and fighting spirit to cause upsets in single-elimination play.
This wave of success underscores the rising standard of African football.
As the Round of 32 unfolds, all eyes will be on Africa’s representatives to see how far this historic cohort can go in the 2026 World Cup.
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