World Cup: Seven of Africa’s 10 teams qualify for Round of 32

Seven of Africa’s 10 representatives at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup have qualified for the Round of 32, marking the continent’s best collective performance at the expanded global tournament.

Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana and Senegal have all secured places in the first knockout round, while Algeria and DR Congo remain in contention ahead of their final group matches.

Tunisia are the only African nation officially eliminated from the competition.

Morocco progressed from Group C after sealing qualification with a 4-2 victory over Haiti and will face Group F winners the Netherlands in the Round of 32.

South Africa also reached the knockout stage after recovering from an opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico with a draw against Czechia and a win over Korea Republic to finish second in Group A.

Bafana Bafana will face Canada in the Round of 32.

Côte d’Ivoire advanced from Group E after victories over Ecuador and Curaçao secured second place in the group.

The Elephants will meet the runners-up from Group I.

Egypt booked their place from Group G after a 1-1 draw against Iran in their final group game, setting up a Round of 32 clash with Australia.

Tournament debutants Cape Verde continued their fairytale campaign by progressing unbeaten from Group H following draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

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The Blue Sharks will now face defending champions Argentina.

Senegal also reached the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I fixture.

Ghana secured qualification from Group L after collecting four points, with other group results confirming the Black Stars’ place in the Round of 32.

Africa could still increase its representation in the knockout stage to nine teams.

Algeria need a positive result against Austria in their decisive Group J encounter to qualify, while DR Congo must beat Uzbekistan and hope Portugal lose to Colombia to keep alive their hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

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

Qualified African teams

Morocco (Group C)

South Africa (Group A)

Côte d’Ivoire (Group E)

Egypt (Group G)

Cape Verde (Group H)

Ghana (Group L)

Senegal (Best third-placed team)

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