Ten African Teams Reach World Cup Round of 32 as DRC Books Historic Spot
Ten African nations have made history at the 2026 World Cup, with nine advancing to the Round of 32 after the Democratic Republic of Congo clinched the continent's tenth slot via the intercontinental play-off. Only Tunisia failed to make the knockout stage, bowing out before the final group matches the knockout stage, bowing out before the final group matches. Speaking to DAILY POST, sports analyst Ope Adebari praised the teams' grit, passion and tactical quality, saying every African side that qualified deserved to be there and has proved it on the pitch. He singled out Morocco, Cote d'Ivoire and possibly Algeria as sides capable of going deep.
The Round of 32 fixtures pit Morocco against the Netherlands, DR Congo against England, Ghana versus Colombia, South Africa versus Canada, Cape Verde against holders Argentina, Belgium versus Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire against Norway and Egypt versus Australia. Adebari added that the strong African showing has renewed calls for FIFA to allocate more World Cup slots to the continent, arguing that the current tournament proves African teams belong among the elite.
With the knockout stage underway, which African side do you think will go furthest, and do you believe the continent deserves more World Cup spots?