History made! 9 of 10 African teams qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage

NEW DELHI: Africa produced its best ever performance at the FIFA World Cup with nine of its 10 teams advancing to the round of 32 in the 2026 tournament. This is the first time that so many African countries have qualified for the knockout stage. The previous record was just two teams, set at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when Algeria and Nigeria advanced. The only African team to miss out this time was Tunisia.

Nine nations reserve relegated places

After 17 days of group action, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Cape Verde have all secured places in the round of 32.The remarkable achievement highlights the growing strength of African football on the world stage.

Algeria survived late drama

Algeria sealed qualification after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria.The game appeared to be heading for Algiers when captain Riyad Mahrez scored late in stoppage time to make it 3-2. However, Austria almost equalized the match in the final kick-off.A draw was enough for both teams to qualify for the knockout stage.

DR Congo is making history

DR Congo reached the knockout stages for the first time after coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1.Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan an early lead but DR Congo fought back in the second half.Yoane Wiss equalized from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele put his side ahead. Wissa then added another goal in stoppage time to complete the turnaround.This victory was also DR Congo’s first ever World Cup victory. They will now face England in the Round of 16.

Cabo Verde continue their fairytale run

World Cup debutants Cabo Verde also made history by reaching the knockout stage without winning a single group game.The Blue Sharks have drawn all three matches, including impressive results against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.They became the first team since Chile at the 1998 World Cup to advance from the group stage without winning a match.Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha also entered the record book. At the age of 40, he became only the third goalkeeper in World Cup history, after Peter Shilton and Dino Zoff, to keep multiple clean sheets after the age of 40.

Morocco continues to impress

Morocco, who became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar 2022, once again showed their quality.They drew 1-1 with Brazil during the group stage and head into the knockout stages as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.