Africa Shines at 2026 World Cup as Nine Teams Advance to Round of 32
Africa has delivered one of its strongest collective performances at the FIFA World Cup, with nine of the continent’s 10 representatives progressing to the Round of 32 in the expanded 2026 tournament.
Following the conclusion of the group stage, Ghana, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, South Africa, Cape Verde, Algeria, Senegal and DR Congo all secured places in the knockout rounds, leaving Tunisia as the only African nation to exit before the last 32.
Ghana booked their place after finishing third in Group L behind England and Croatia. The Black Stars will now face Group K winners Colombia at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City) on Saturday, July 4.
Ghana are aiming to reach the Round of 16 for the third time in their history.
Elsewhere, Morocco take on the Netherlands, Ivory Coast face Norway, Egypt meet Australia, Senegal square off against Belgium, Algeria play Switzerland, South Africa open the knockout stage against Canada, Cape Verde face defending champions Argentina and DR Congo have a daunting meeting with England.
The impressive number of African teams in the knockout stage highlights the growing strength and competitiveness of the continent on the global stage.
Fans across Africa will be hoping for memorable runs as the knockout phase begins.
