Nine African teams reach 2026 World Cup Round of 32

Nine African countries have qualified for the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, underlining the continent’s strong showing at the first edition of the tournament featuring 48 teams.

With 10 African representatives at the competition, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ghana, Algeria and DR Congo have all progressed to the knockout stage.

Algeria and DR Congo became the latest teams to qualify on Sunday after successfully navigating their final group matches.

Morocco finished second in Group C after defeating Haiti 4-2 in their last group fixture. The Atlas Lions will now face Group F winners, the Netherlands, in the Round of 32.

South Africa also made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. After losing to co-hosts Mexico in their opening match, Bafana Bafana recovered with a draw against Czechia before beating Korea Republic to finish second in Group A. They will now face Canada.

Côte d’Ivoire secured second place in Group E after victories over Ecuador and Curaçao, setting up a Round of 32 clash against the runners-up from Group I.

Egypt also advanced after finishing second in Group G. The Pharaohs ended the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Iran and will face Australia in Dallas.

Cape Verde emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages. The World Cup debutants went unbeaten in the group stage with draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to book a place in the knockout phase, where they will face defending champions Argentina.

Senegal qualified as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after thrashing Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match.

Ghana also progressed to the Round of 32 after collecting four points from their opening two matches, with results elsewhere confirming their qualification before their final Group L fixture.

Africa’s representation in the knockout stage increased to nine on Sunday after Algeria drew 3-3 with Austria, while DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 to seal qualification.

Elsewhere, co-hosts Mexico and the United States, alongside Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador and Sweden, have also secured places in the Round of 32.

Tunisia are the only African side eliminated from the tournament. Haiti, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia and Curaçao have also exited the competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32.