World Cup 2026: How Nine African Nations Made History by Reaching Round of 32
The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended with African teams delivering one of the continent’s strongest performances on football’s biggest stage. Competing with 10 representatives for the first time in the expanded tournament, nine African nations secured places in the Round of 32 — a historic achievement.
Here is how they booked their places in the knockout stage:
Morocco
The Atlas Lions opened their campaign with a hard-fought draw against Brazil before recording back-to-back 1-0 victories to finish on seven points. Morocco advanced as Group C runners-up, narrowly missing top spot on goal difference.
South Africa
South Africa bounced back impressively after losing their opening match to co-hosts Mexico. A draw against the Czech Republic and a memorable victory over South Korea helped Bafana Bafana finish second in Group A and secure a first-ever passage to the World Cup knockout stage.
Ivory Coast
The Elephants produced a resilient campaign, defeating Ecuador 1-0 and Curacao 2-0. Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to Germany, Ivory Coast accumulated enough points to advance as runners-up in Group E.
Egypt
Egypt delivered one of their most impressive World Cup campaigns to date. The Pharaohs earned a draw against Belgium before securing their first-ever World Cup victory with a convincing win over New Zealand. Another draw against Iran sealed progression as runners-up in Group G under captain Mohamed Salah.
Cape Verde
Making their tournament debut, Cape Verde remained unbeaten throughout the group stage. Draws against Spain (1-1), Uruguay (2-2), and Saudi Arabia (0-0) earned them a historic first appearance in the knockout rounds as Group H runners-up.
Ghana
Despite a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L fixture, Ghana had already done enough to qualify. Four points from their opening two matches, including an important draw against England, secured their place in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
DR Congo
The Leopards produced a memorable campaign, highlighted by a crucial 3-1 victory in their final Group K match — their first-ever World Cup win. The result propelled DR Congo into the knockout stage through third-place qualification.
Algeria
Algeria recovered strongly after an opening-day defeat to defending champions Argentina. A landmark victory over Jordan and a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final match, inspired by Riyad Mahrez, ensured the Desert Foxes advanced as one of the best third-placed sides.
Senegal
Senegal’s campaign appeared in danger after consecutive defeats to France and Norway. However, a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq revived their hopes and, after a tense wait, the Teranga Lions claimed the final qualification spot among the best third-placed teams to reach the Round of 32.
Africa’s record-breaking showing underlines the continent’s growing influence on the global football stage as attention now shifts to the knockout rounds.
