Three African countries have secured qualification for the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the continent’s impressive performance in the first edition of the tournament featuring 48 teams.
Morocco, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire have officially progressed to the knockout stage after strong performances in their respective groups. They are the first African representatives to confirm their places among the final 32 teams.
Morocco sealed qualification by finishing second in Group C following a 4-2 victory over Haiti. The Atlas Lions will now face Group F winners the Netherlands in the Round of 32 on June 29.
South Africa also made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. After losing their opening match to co-hosts Mexico, Bafana Bafana recovered with a draw against Czechia before defeating Korea Republic to finish second in Group A. Their reward is a Round of 32 meeting with Canada on June 28.
Côte d’Ivoire joined the list of qualified African teams after placing second in Group E. The Elephants advanced with victories over Ecuador and Curaçao and will face the runners-up from Group I in the Round of 32 on June 30.
World Cup: More African Teams Eye Round of 32
Several other African nations remain in contention ahead of their final group matches on Friday, June 26. Egypt currently top Group G with four points from two games, while Ghana occupy second place in Group L on goal difference behind England, with both teams level on four points.
Cabo Verde are third in Group H with two points, tied with Uruguay but behind on goal difference. Algeria are also in third place in Group J with three points, matching Austria’s tally as they prepare for their decisive final fixture.
Although Senegal and Congo DR are no longer in contention for automatic qualification, both sides still have a chance of advancing depending on the outcome of their final group matches and the ranking of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Beyond Africa, hosts Mexico, the United States, 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 nation already eliminated from the tournament. They are joined by Haiti, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia and Curaçao, whose World Cup campaigns have also come to an end.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition of the competition to feature 48 teams. Under the expanded format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the newly introduced Round of 32.
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