Africa has achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine nations advancing to the Round of 32—the continent’s best-ever representation in the tournament’s knockout stage. The expanded 48-team format allowed more African sides to showcase their quality, with seven teams qualifying automatically from the group stage and two others progressing as among the best third-placed finishers.
South Africa secured qualification by finishing second in Group A behind Mexico. The tournament co-hosts now face Canada in the Round of 32.
Morocco finished second in Group C after an impressive unbeaten group-stage campaign to book a knockout clash with the Netherlands.
Ivory Coast progressed after finishing among the best third-placed teams despite ending behind Germany and Ecuador in Group E.
Egypt claimed second place in Group G behind Belgium to set up a Round of 32 meeting with Australia.
Senegal advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. A dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq on the final matchday proved enough to send the Lions of Teranga into a knockout clash with Belgium.
Algeria also qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after battling Austria to a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final Group J match. The Desert Foxes will face Switzerland.
Cape Verde made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. The Blue Sharks finished second in Group H behind Spain and earned a blockbuster tie against defending champions Argentina.
Ghana reached the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams in Group L. The Black Stars collected four points from their opening two matches to secure qualification before narrowly losing 2-1 to Croatia in their final group game. Ghana will face Colombia in the knockout round.
DR Congo completed Africa’s historic achievement by finishing second in Group K. The Leopards sealed qualification with a 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan, recording their first-ever World Cup win after a 52-year absence from the tournament. They will now take on England in the Round of 32.
With nine teams still in contention, Africa has surpassed all previous World Cup records for knockout-stage representation and will hope to produce its first-ever World Cup champion.
