African nations Egypt, Cape Verde, and Ghana aim to advance alongside Morocco to the World Cup knockout stage.

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Three African nations will be fighting to keep the continent’s hopes alive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, with Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana all chasing places in the Round of 16.

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So far, Morocco remains the only African team to secure passage to the next stage.

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The Atlas Lions booked their spot after a dramatic victory over the Netherlands, holding the Europeans to a 1-1 draw after extra time before prevailing in a penalty shootout.

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Africa arrived at the expanded 2026 World Cup with a record 10 representatives and enjoyed one of its strongest group-stage performances, with nine nations advancing to the Round of 32.

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Tunisia was the continent’s only casualty in the opening phase.

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However, Africa’s momentum has been dented in the knockout rounds, leaving Morocco as the lone team through to the Round of 16 ahead of Friday’s decisive fixtures, PUNCH Online reports.

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Egypt will be first in action when the Pharaohs take on Australia at Dallas Stadium.

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Victory would see Egypt reach the World Cup Round of 16 and continue one of the country’s deepest runs at the tournament.

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Later in Miami, Cape Verde face their biggest challenge yet against Argentina in a clash that pits one of the tournament’s surprise packages against one of the favourites for the title.

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The island nation has emerged as one of the stories of the competition and now faces a meeting with Lionel Messi’s side.

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The final African hope in action on Friday is Ghana, who will meet Colombia in Kansas City.

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The Black Stars face an in-form Colombian team as they seek a place in the last 16 and a chance to extend Africa’s presence in the tournament.

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With Morocco already through, Friday’s matches will determine whether Africa sends additional representatives into the Round of 16 or whether the Atlas Lions will continue as the continent’s sole standard-bearers in the knockout stages.

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