World Cup: How 9 African nations reached Round of 32

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been concluded and amid the records set and goals scored, Africa teams stood tall in North America. Parading 10 representatives for the first time ever in the expanded tournament, nine nations progressed past the group stage for the first time ever. We review how these […]

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been concluded and amid the records set and goals scored, Africa teams stood tall in North America. Parading 10 representatives for the first time ever in the expanded tournament, nine nations progressed past the group stage for the first time ever. We review how these nine African countries stormed the knockout rounds against all odds.

MOROCCO:

The Atlas Lions held Brazil in the opening match before securing two 1-0 wins to claims seven points and finish as runners up behind Brazil only on goals difference in Group C.

SOUTH AFRICA:

The Bafana Bafana rallied from losing the first match of the tournament to co-hosts Mexico to progress from Group A. A draw with Czech epublic and stunning win over South Korea saw Hugo Broos’ side finish as runners up to claim a first-evr knockout round progress.

IVORY COAST:

Stunning win 1-0 over Ecuador and another 2-0 victory over Curacao despite a painful 2-1 defeat to Germany saw the Elephants storm into the knockout phase as runners-up in Group E.

EGYPT:

The Pharaohs have conjured magic in the tournament so far, holding Belgium to a draw before a convincing first-ever World Cup win against New Zealand and draw with Iran sealed the Mohamed Salah-captained team’s progress as Group G runners-up.

CAPE VERDE:

In their debut tournament, and they are still unbeaten. The held Spain (1-1), Uruguay (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0) to claim first-time progress to the knockout round as runners-up in Group H.

GHANA:

Despite falling 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L match, the Black Stars had done enough with four points in their opening two matches- including a draw with England- to seal round of 32 passage from third place.

CONGO DR:

The Leopards got the all-important 3-1 win in the final group K match- their first-ever World Cup victory- as they pulled the weight of an expectant nation into the knockout phase from third position.

ALGERIA:

A historic victory over Jordan set the Desert Foxes on their way despite a controversial opening day loss to defending champions Argentina. Riyad Mahrez led his teammates over the line with a 3-3 draw in their final match to also seal progress from third place.

SENEGAL:

 

The Teranga Lions were expected to make a splash in North America but consecutive defeats to France and Norway almost derailed the dream, but a 5-0 win over Iraq culminated in an anxious wait that ended with Senegal taking the final eighth spot on the third-placed nations ranking to seal knockout round progress.