African teams make huge progress at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Six of the 10 African nations participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have secured their places in the round of 32 following Saturday’s group stage matches.

Cape Verde and Ghana confirmed their progression after the latest results, reaching Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast in the knockout phase.

Although Ghana are yet to play their final group match against Croatia, Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay ensured the Black Stars qualified.

Cape Verde also sealed a historic passage to the next round after recording three consecutive draws, finishing second in their group behind Spain.

Tunisia has been eliminated, while Senegal, Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo remain in contention for possible qualification as one of the top third-placed teams.

Senegal reignite their knockout hopes with a dominant victory

Senegal strengthened their chances of reaching the round of 32 with a 5-0 win against 10-man Iraq.

The result took the Teranga Lions to third place in Group I with three points and fifth place in the ranking of the best third-placed teams, although qualification remains uncertain and dependent on other results.

The West Africans went into the match under pressure following previous defeats against France and Norway, but responded with a strong performance which significantly improved their goal difference.

The early breakthrough sets the tone for Senegal’s dominance

Senegal started strong in Toronto, taking the lead after just four minutes. Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner took a crucial deflection from Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra as it went past Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

Iraq’s problems worsened nine minutes later when referee Anthony Taylor sent off defender Rebin Sulaka for bringing down Sadio Mane on the edge of the penalty area, deeming him to deny a scoring opportunity after a review by the video assistant referee.

Mane tested Basil from the resulting free kick, but Pape Thiaw’s side, needing goals to improve their goal difference and therefore their chances of progressing to the next stage, failed to register another shot on target in the first half.

Goals in the second half sealed a decisive victory

They took advantage of former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal giving up possession on the edge of the area while Lamine Camara cut the ball back for Ismaila Sarr to apply a simple finish to make it 2-0 in the 56th minute.

The lead was extended three minutes later when Pape Gueye curled a left-footed shot into the top corner, his first save after coming on just moments earlier.

Villarreal defensive midfielder Gueye added his second goal with another stunning strike in the 71st minute before fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye sealed a 5-0 victory, which they hoped would be enough to send them to the knockout stages.

Qualification hopes depend on other results

The emphatic victory increased Senegal’s goal difference and moved them to fifth place among third-placed teams, boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

However, their qualification remains dependent on the results of the other groups as the battle for top third place positions continues.

The result also marked a strong response from the Teranga Lions after a difficult start to the season, keeping their journey to the World Cup alive ahead of the final round of group stage matches.