Nine African teams reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, setting record
Nine African nations have secured places in the Round of 32 at the expanded 48‑team FIFA World Cup 2026, setting a continental record. South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo, Cape Verde and Ivory Coast all advanced from the group stage, surpassing any previous African contingent at the tournament. The expanded format gave more slots, but the teams earned their spots through disciplined defence, attacking flair and notable upsets.
The knockout schedule, running from June 28 to July 4, pits several African sides against traditional powerhouses: South Africa faces Canada, Morocco meets the Netherlands, Senegal takes on Belgium, Egypt plays Australia, Ghana clashes with Colombia, Algeria confronts Switzerland, DR Congo battles England, Ivory Coast meets Norway and Cape Verde draws defending champions Argentina. The matches are spread across venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This collective breakthrough signals a narrowing gap between Africa and the sport’s traditional powers, with quarter‑final berths now seen as realistic targets for multiple teams and the dream of an African world champion still alive.
Which of these African teams do you believe can go deepest in the knockout stage, and what would their success mean for football development across the continent?