Africa has made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine of its 10 representatives advancing to the Round of 32 after an impressive group stage campaign.
The continent sent a record 10 teams to the expanded 48-team tournament, and only Tunisia failed to reach the knockout stage.
The final qualification places were confirmed on Saturday night after Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, while Algeria secured their place following an entertaining 3-3 draw against Austria.
The nine African nations through to the last 32 are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria.
The achievement highlights the growing strength of African football on the global stage. Morocco, who became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, have once again impressed after holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw during the group stage. The Atlas Lions will also co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
This year’s tournament has also produced surprise African success stories, with Cape Verde and Congo exceeding expectations to book places in the knockout rounds.
The Round of 32 will see several African sides face tough opposition as they chase a place in the last 16.
South Africa will take on Canada in Inglewood on 28 June 2026, while Morocco faces the Netherlands in Guadalupe on 29 June.
Ivory Coast will meet Norway in Arlington on 30 June before Senegal takes on Belgium in Seattle on 1 July.
On the same day, DR Congo will face England, while Algeria will play Switzerland in Vancouver on 2 July.
Egypt will come up against Australia in Arlington on 3 July, and Ghana’s Black Stars will face Colombia in Kansas City later that day.
