African trio advances to World Cup knockout stage

African nations are making a notable impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three teams from the continent securing spots in the Round of 32, out of the 10 teams that represent Africa, including Morocco, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire, who have confirmed their places in the knockout stage.

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Seven other African teams, namely Egypt, Ghana, Cabo Verde, Algeria, Senegal, and Congo DR, remain in contention for a spot in the Round of 32 ahead of their final group matches as of Friday, June 26.

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Morocco finished as runners-up in Group C, thanks to a 4-2 victory over Haiti, and will face Group F winners the Netherlands in the Round of 32 on June 29.

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South Africa has made history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, after recovering from an opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico, and will meet Canada on June 28.

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Côte d’Ivoire also advanced to the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group E, with wins over Ecuador and Curaçao, and will face the runners-up from Group I on June 30.

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Egypt currently leads Group G with four points from two matches, while Ghana is second in Group L, behind England on goal difference, with both teams having four points.

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Cabo Verde is third in Group H with two points, level with Uruguay but behind on goal difference, and Algeria is third in Group J with three points, the same as Austria.

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Senegal and Congo DR have been eliminated from automatic qualification contention but still have opportunities depending on the final group results and the competition’s best third-placed ranking system.

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A total of 17 teams, including hosts Mexico, the United States, Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, and Sweden, have advanced to the Round of 32.

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Tunisia from Africa, alongside Haiti, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia, and Curaçao, have been eliminated from the tournament.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup features a new format with 48 teams and a Round of 32, where the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams progress to the knockout stage.