New York, USA: Africa has delivered its strongest-ever FIFA World Cup campaign after an unprecedented nine nations qualified for the Round of 32 of the expanded 2026 tournament, underlining the continent’s growing influence on world football.
With the World Cup expanded to 48 teams, Africa’s allocation increased to 10 representatives. By the end of the group stage, South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, DR Congo, Ghana and Cabo Verde had all progressed, leaving Tunisia as the continent’s only casualty.
The achievement means Africa accounts for more than a quarter of the 32 teams left in the tournament, its best representation in a World Cup knockout stage.
South Africa will become the first African nation to feature in the Round of 32 when they face Canada on Sunday night after finishing runners-up in Group A behind Mexico with four points. The tie presents both nations with an opportunity to reach the last 16 for the first time.
Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, again demonstrated their consistency by collecting seven points in Group C to finish second behind Brazil on goal difference. The Atlas Lions now face the Netherlands in one of the standout fixtures on Tuesday.
Ivory Coast also impressed on their return to the global stage, matching Germany on six points in Group E before settling for second place on goal difference. The Elephants now take on Norway seeking a maiden appearance in the last 16.
DR Congo produced one of the tournament’s dramatic escapes, recovering in their final group match against Uzbekistan to qualify among the best third-placed teams. Their reward is a difficult encounter against England.
Senegal also recovered from a slow start to finish among the best third-placed teams and will now face Group G winners Belgium in what promises to be one of the Round of 32’s biggest contests.
Algeria progressed from Group J with four points and face Switzerland, while Egypt finished runners-up behind Belgium in Group G and will take on Australia in another evenly balanced tie.
Cabo Verde continue to write one of the tournament’s fairy-tale stories after drawing all three group matches to finish second behind Spain. The island nation now faces defending champions Argentina in what will be the biggest match in the country’s football history.
Ghana completed Africa’s impressive representation after advancing as one of the best third-placed teams and will meet Colombia.
The expanded World Cup format has offered African nations greater opportunities, but the performances have also reflected the continent’s growing competitiveness against traditional football powers.
Morocco’s run to the 2022 semi-finals proved African teams can challenge for the biggest honours, and the nine qualifiers will now attempt to push even further in North America.
Elsewhere, several heavyweight clashes headline the Round of 32, including Brazil vs Japan, Germany vs Paraguay, France vs Sweden, Mexico vs Ecuador, Spain vs Austria, Portugal vs Croatia, and Argentina vs Cabo Verde.
2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Fixtures
Sunday: South Africa vs Canada (10:00pm)
Monday: Brazil vs Japan (8:00pm)
Tuesday: Germany vs Paraguay (12:30am),
Netherlands vs Morocco (4:00am)
Ivory Coast vs Norway (8:00pm)
Wednesday: France vs Sweden (12:00am)
Mexico vs Ecuador (4:00am)
England vs DR Congo (7:00pm)
Belgium vs Senegal (11:00pm)
Thursday: United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (3:00am)
Spain vs Austria (10:00pm)
Friday: Portugal vs Croatia (2:00am)
Switzerland vs Algeria (6:00am)
Australia vs Egypt (9:00pm)
Saturday: Argentina vs Cabo Verde (1:00am)
Colombia vs Ghana (4:30am)
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