African football has recorded a massive milestone at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, with seven countries from the continent securing their spots in the newly introduced Round of 32 knockout stage.
Out of the record 10 African nations competing in this year’s expanded 48-team tournament, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal, and Ghana have successfully advanced from the group stage.
Two other African representatives, Algeria and DR Congo, still have a fighting chance to join them. Both teams will determine their fates in their final group fixtures scheduled for Sunday, June 28.
Morocco sealed their passage by clinching the second spot in Group C following an impressive 4-2 win against Haiti. The Atlas Lions are now set for a heavyweight Round of 32 clash against Group F leaders, the Netherlands, on June 29.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana made history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the very first time. Despite an opening-day defeat to tournament co-hosts Mexico, the South Africans bounced back with a draw against Czechia and a vital victory over South Korea to finish second in Group A. They will battle Canada on June 28.
In Group E, reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire secured second place after defeating both Ecuador and Curaçao. The Elephants are scheduled to play the runners-up of Group I on June 30.
Egypt also moved to the next round as runners-up in Group G following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Iran in their final group encounter. The Pharaohs will travel to Dallas to face Australia on Friday.
Tournament debutants Cabo Verde sustained their fairytale run by remaining unbeaten in Group H. The Blue Sharks secured draws against global football powerhouses Spain and Uruguay, as well as Saudi Arabia, booking a high-profile fixture against defending champions Argentina in Miami this Friday.
Senegal advanced to the next phase as one of the best third-placed teams after dismantling Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match. Ghana’s Black Stars similarly guaranteed their Round of 32 spot ahead of their final Group L match, as their four-point tally proved sufficient based on results from other groups.
For the remaining African contenders, Algeria will battle Austria on Sunday in a winner-takes-all Group J encounter, where both sides currently sit level on three points. DR Congo faces a steeper hill in Group K; sitting third with just one point, the Leopards must defeat Uzbekistan and pray that Colombia defeats Portugal to keep their tournament alive.
Global giants including Germany, Argentina, France, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, and co-hosts Mexico and the United States have also qualified for the next stage alongside Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, and Sweden.
Tunisia is the only African side officially out of the competition, joining early casualties such as Czechia, Türkiye, Haiti, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, and Curaçao.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first in history to feature 48 teams. Under this new tournament structure, the top two teams from the 12 groups, alongside the eight best third-placed teams, progress to t
he round of 32.
