Seven: African Teams Storm World Cup Last 32 — Magnificent

The ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen an impressive showing from African nations, with seven teams already securing their spots in the Round of 32. This marks a strong performance by the continent in the inaugural 48-team expanded tournament, which features 10 African participants.

Morocco, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal, and Ghana have all successfully advanced to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Algeria and DR Congo still have a chance to qualify and will compete in their crucial final group matches scheduled for Sunday, June 28.

Morocco, the Atlas Lions, confirmed their progression after securing second place in Group C, following a decisive 4-2 victory against Haiti. They are set to face Group F winners, the Netherlands, in the Round of 32 on June 29.

Making history, South Africa's Bafana Bafana have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the very first time. After an initial loss to co-hosts Mexico, they rallied with a draw against Czechia and a win over South Korea, ultimately finishing second in Group A. Their next challenge will be against Canada on June 28.

Côte d'Ivoire, known as the Elephants, advanced from Group E as runners-up, having triumphed over Ecuador and Curaçao. They await the runners-up from Group I for their Round of 32 fixture on June 30.

Egypt also secured their place, finishing second in Group G after a 1-1 draw with Iran in their final group match. The Pharaohs are scheduled to play Australia in Dallas this Friday.

Tournament debutants Cabo Verde continued their remarkable run, emerging unbeaten from Group H after drawing with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. The Islanders face a monumental clash against defending champions Argentina in Miami this Friday.

Senegal qualified as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament, propelled by a dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq in their last Group I match. Ghana also booked their ticket to the knockout stage even before their final Group L fixture, as their four-point tally combined with other group results guaranteed their advancement.

Algeria's hopes of reaching the Round of 32 remain alive. They are tied on three points with Austria in Group J, and their Sunday encounter will be decisive. DR Congo also holds a mathematical chance, sitting third in Group K with one point. They must defeat Uzbekistan and hope Portugal loses to Colombia to progress.

Beyond Africa, co-hosts Mexico and the United States, along with powerhouses like Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, and Sweden, have also secured their spots in the Round of 32.

Tunisia is the only African nation to have been eliminated thus far, joining Haiti, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia, and Curaçao in exiting the competition. The 2026 FIFA World Cup's new format sees the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams, moving into the knockout stage.