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In a historic achievement for African football, nine of the continent’s 10 representatives advanced to the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting a new record for the deepest collective performance by CAF nations in the history of the tournament.
The expanded 48-team format has proven to be a boon for Africa, rewarding competitive performances from a record 10 qualified teams.
Only Tunisia failed to advance, while Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Algeria booked their places in the knockout phase.
South Africa’s progression was particularly dramatic.
Bafana Bafana claimed second place in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico with a crucial late victory over South Korea, marking their first appearance in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Morocco, who have just had a good showing in recent tournaments, finished as runners-up in Group C behind Brazil, while Ivory Coast impressed as runners-up in Group E.
Debutants Cape Verde wrote a fairytale chapter by advancing from Group H, and powerhouses Senegal and Ghana showed resilience to secure qualification.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Algeria completed the African contingent by advancing as two of the eight best third-place finishers.
Hard tests await us in the round of 32
The knockout phase, which began on Sunday, June 28, presents formidable challenges.
Confirmed and projected matchups include:
South Africa against Canada
Netherlands vs. Morocco
Ivory Coast against Norway
England vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Belgium vs. Senegal
Switzerland vs. Algeria
Australia vs. Egypt
Argentina vs. Cape Verde
colombia vs. Ghana
Other African teams, including Egypt, Ghana, Algeria and Cape Verde, face equally demanding opponents from Europe and the hosts.
Analysts see Morocco as the team best positioned for a deep run, given their organization and pedigree.
However, other African nations possess the talent and fighting spirit to cause upsets in single-elimination games.
This wave of success highlights the rising level 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 at the 2026 World Cup.
