Seven African countries have qualified for the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting a strong performance by the continent at the expanded tournament.
Out of the 10 African teams participating, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal and Ghana have all secured qualification for the knockout stage.
Algeria and DR Congo are still in contention and will battle for qualification in their final group matches on Sunday, June 28.
Morocco finished second in Group C after defeating Haiti 4–2 and will face Group F winners Netherlands in the Round of 32 on June 29.
South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in its history after recovering from an opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico. Bafana Bafana drew with Czechia before beating Korea Republic, finishing second in Group A to set up a clash with Canada on June 28.
Côte d’Ivoire also progressed after finishing second in Group E with victories over Ecuador and Curaçao. The Elephants will meet the runners-up from Group I in the Round of 32 on June 30.
Egypt secured second place in Group G after a 1–1 draw with Iran in their final group match and will take on Australia in Dallas on Friday.
Tournament debutants Cabo Verde continued their impressive campaign by going unbeaten in Group H, drawing against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. They now face defending champions Argentina in Miami on Friday.
Senegal advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a commanding 5–0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I game.
Ghana also booked a place in the knockout stage before playing their last Group L fixture, as their four points, combined with other results, guaranteed qualification.
Among the remaining African teams, Algeria are level on three points with Austria, and their meeting on Sunday will determine who claims the Group J runner-up spot and a place in the Round of 32.
DR Congo still have a slim chance of progressing. They sit third in Group K with one point and must defeat Uzbekistan while hoping Portugal lose to Colombia on Sunday.
Other nations already through to the Round of 32 include co-hosts Mexico and the United States, as well as Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador and Sweden.
Teams already eliminated include Tunisia from Africa, alongside Haiti, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia and Curaçao.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams and a Round of 32 format, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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