Only two African nations remain in contention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the completion of the Round of 32 fixtures, with Egypt and Morocco securing places in the last 16 while eight other teams have exited the tournament.
Africa was represented by 10 countries at the expanded World Cup, and nine of them advanced to the Round of 32. However, only Egypt and Morocco managed to progress beyond that stage.
Egypt became the latest African side to book a place in the Round of 16 after edging Australia 4-2 on penalties on Friday. The knockout tie finished 1-1 after extra time before the Pharaohs prevailed in the shootout.
Emam Ashour handed Egypt the lead in the first half, but Mohamed Hany’s own goal in the 55th minute brought Australia level. With neither side able to find a decisive goal over 120 minutes, Egypt held their composure from the penalty spot to seal qualification.
The victory also marked Egypt’s first-ever win in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.
Egypt will now take on defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16 after the South Americans defeated Cape Verde 3-2 following extra time in another Round of 32 encounter.
Morocco had earlier become the first African nation to qualify for the last 16. The Atlas Lions defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after both teams played out a 1-1 draw following extra time.
They are set to face co-hosts Canada in their Round of 16 fixture on Saturday.
Africa’s World Cup Campaign Narrows
Africa’s hopes of a strong showing at the tournament were significantly reduced after several teams were eliminated in the Round of 32. Côte d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Norway, South Africa suffered a 1-0 defeat to Canada, Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0, England overcame DR Congo 2-1, Belgium edged Senegal 3-2, Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0, while Cape Verde narrowly lost 3-2 after extra time to Argentina.
Algeria’s campaign ended in the group stage, making them the only African side that failed to qualify for the Round of 32.
With Egypt and Morocco now carrying the continent’s hopes, Africa’s attention turns to the Round of 16 as both nations seek to secure places in the quarter-finals.
African teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Qualified for the Round of 16: Egypt, Morocco
Eliminated in the Round of 32: Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, DR Congo, Senegal, Ghana, Cape Verde
Eliminated in the group stage: Algeria
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