By Jessica Afuye
Africa could yet have nine representatives in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Algeria and DR Congo prepare for decisive final group matches on Sunday, with both sides still harbouring hopes of extending the continent’s remarkable run at the expanded tournament.
Already, seven of Africa’s 10 representatives have secured places in the Round of 32, underlining the continent’s strongest collective performance at a FIFA World Cup.
Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal and Ghana have all booked their places in the knockout rounds, while Tunisia are the only African side whose campaign has already come to an end.
Algeria remain masters of their own destiny in Group J. The Desert Foxes are level on three points with Austria, with Sunday’s encounter between the two sides set to determine who progresses as runners-up.
For DR Congo, the task is more complicated but still achievable. Sitting third in Group K with one point, the Congolese must defeat Uzbekistan and hope Portugal lose to Colombia to stand any chance of progressing among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Should both Algeria and DR Congo qualify, Africa would have nine teams in the Round of 32, an unprecedented achievement that would further underline the continent’s growing influence on the world football stage.
Among those already through, Morocco sealed qualification after finishing second in Group C following an entertaining 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 have also written a new chapter in their football history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. After opening their campaign with a defeat to co-hosts Mexico, Bafana Bafana bounced back with a draw against Czechia before defeating Korea Republic to finish second in Group A. They will face Canada in the next round.
Côte d’Ivoire secured qualification from Group E after victories over Ecuador and Curaçao earned the Elephants second place. They will now take on the runners-up from Group I on June 30.
Egypt also progressed after finishing second in Group G. A hard-fought 1-1 draw with Iran in their final group match proved enough to send the Pharaohs into the knockout stage, where they will meet Australia.
Tournament debutants Cabo Verde have continued to win admirers after progressing unbeaten from Group H. Draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia ensured their place in the Round of 32, where they face defending champions Argentina.
Senegal booked their place as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq, while Ghana also secured qualification after collecting four points, with results elsewhere confirming their passage before their final group fixture.
Outside Africa, co-hosts Mexico and the United States have also progressed to the knockout stage alongside Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador and Sweden.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition of the competition to feature 48 teams and a Round of 32, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout phase.
Meanwhile, the race for places in the Round of 32 gathered further momentum on Friday night and into Saturday morning as France, Senegal and Belgium recorded emphatic victories, while Spain edged Uruguay in a tightly contested encounter.
France produced one of the standout performances of the day with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway in Group I. Ousmane Dembélé stole the show with a first-half hat-trick, scoring in the seventh, 20th and 32nd minutes. Norway briefly threatened a comeback through Thelo Aasgaard’s 21st-minute strike, but Désiré Doué wrapped up the victory with a stoppage-time goal.
Senegal delivered one of the tournament’s most dominant displays by thrashing Iraq 5-0. The Lions of Teranga took control from the opening whistle and punished Iraq’s defensive lapses with ruthless efficiency. Abdoulaye Seck opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Ismaïla Sarr, Idrissa Gueye, who grabbed a brace, and Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout.
Spain secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Uruguay courtesy of Álex Baena’s 42nd-minute strike. The Spaniards defended resolutely after the break to preserve the slender lead and strengthen their position heading into the knockout stage.
Belgium also enjoyed a comfortable evening, overpowering New Zealand 5-1. Leandro Trossard scored twice, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net in an impressive attacking display. New Zealand’s only consolation came through Just late in the match.
Elsewhere, Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran proved enough to confirm the Pharaohs’ progression to the knockout rounds. Mohamed Saber gave Egypt an early lead before Ramin Rezaeian equalised for Iran.
Cabo Verde also maintained their unbeaten record after playing out a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, a result that ensured the tournament debutants advanced to the Round of 32.
With Algeria and DR Congo still carrying Africa’s hopes into Sunday’s decisive fixtures, the continent remains on course for what could become its most successful FIFA World Cup campaign ever.