Algeria joins round of 32 exodus of African teams as Ghana, Egypt and Cape Verde push for places in FIF A World Cup round of 16

Algeria has become the sixth African nation to exit the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 32, deepening the continent’s disappointing run in the knockout stage.

The North Africans were outclassed by a disciplined Swiss team, with Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scoring to send Switzerland into the last 16 and end Algeria’s impressive World Cup campaign.

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Algeria’s elimination continues a worrying trend for Africa after a record-breaking group stage performance that saw nine of the continent’s 10 representatives qualify for the knockout rounds.

However, the round of 32 proved disastrous for the African teams.

Senegal were defeated by Belgium 3-2 after extra time, Ivory Coast lost 2-1 to Norway, the Democratic Republic of the Congo lost 2-1 to England, while South Africa suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Canada.

Tunisia had already been eliminated from the competition during the group stage after finishing last in their group.

With six African nations out of the tournament, hopes of a great continental run rest with the four remaining teams.

Morocco already secured its place in the round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands on penalties and remains Africa’s only confirmed representative in the next round.

Attention now turns to Egypt, Ghana and Cape Verde, who have yet to play their round of 32 matches.

Egypt will face Australia, Ghana will face Colombia, while Cape Verde will have a tough clash against defending champions Argentina.

Victories by any of the three nations would boost Africa’s presence in the round of 16 and keep alive hopes of surpassing the continent’s previous best performances at the FIFA World Cup.

After a historic campaign in the group stage, Africa will now count on Egypt, Ghana and Cape Verde to carry forward the continent’s ambitions when the round of 32 stage concludes this weekend.