2026 World Cup: African teams shine as nine of ten advance to round of 32
2026 FIFA World Cup
Abdullateef Fowewe
In a landmark showing for the continent, nine of Africa’s ten representatives at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup advanced to the Round of 32, underscoring a seismic shift in global football competitiveness and igniting celebrations across Africa.
South Africa, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt, DR Congo, and Algeria all progressed from the group stage, while Tunisia were the sole African side to fall short.
The result marks the strongest collective performance by African nations in World Cup history and comes in the tournament’s first edition with an expanded 48-team format.
Fans across Africa hailed the achievement as validation of years of investment in domestic leagues, youth development and coaching.
“This is our moment,” said a jubilant supporter in Lagos.
With nine teams still in contention, the 2026 knockout rounds present an unprecedented opportunity for African sides to make deep runs and sway long-standing perceptions.
