Published: June 29, 2026
Africa has reached an unprecedented milestone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine nations advancing to the Round of 32 after a record 10 countries qualified for the expanded tournament.
DR Congo sealed its place with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, while Algeria secured qualification with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria on Saturday.
The previous record for African teams reaching the knockout stage was two, achieved at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and again at Qatar 2022.
The African teams advancing are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Algeria.
Morocco, the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal at Qatar 2022, has continued its impressive form by holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw during the group stage. The Atlas Lions will also co-host the 2030 World Cup.
Cape Verde and DR Congo have emerged as surprise packages, underscoring the growing depth and competitiveness of African football.
DR Congo now faces England in the Round of 32 but is already celebrating a historic achievement.
“It’s really historic for our country, Congo,” forward Fiston Mayele said. “It’s our first World Cup win and our first time reaching the knockout stage. Everyone back home is happy, and we’re proud to be Congolese.”
Mayele scored in the 78th minute after Yoane Wissa converted a penalty in the 68th minute before adding a second goal in stoppage time.
Algeria also advanced after one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes. Captain Riyad Mahrez gave his side a 3-2 lead deep into stoppage time, but Austria equalized moments later. The 3-3 draw was enough for both teams to progress.
Reflecting on DR Congo’s journey, Wissa said the team’s success was built on resilience.
“It’s only our second World Cup, 52 years after the first,” Wissa said. “Nothing is easy in football. We kept believing, showed resilience and now we’re enjoying a special moment.”
Wissa believes Africa’s strong showing signals a bright future for the continent.
“Now every African team can dream big,” he said. “Morocco reached the semifinals at the last World Cup, and now so many African teams are in the knockout stage. Young players are coming through, and that gives every federation hope.”
The Round of 32 presents a series of difficult but exciting challenges for Africa’s representatives.
South Africa opens Africa’s knockout campaign against Canada, while Morocco faces the Netherlands after an unbeaten group-stage run. Senegal meets Belgium, Egypt takes on Australia and Ghana faces Colombia.
Algeria will play Switzerland, DR Congo meets England, Ivory Coast faces Norway and Cape Verde’s remarkable campaign continues against defending champion Argentina.
Although the knockout bracket pits several African nations against traditional football powers, the continent’s performances so far suggest more upsets are possible.
Morocco continues to build on the momentum of its historic semifinal run four years ago, while Senegal and Egypt have again demonstrated why they remain among Africa’s most consistent teams on the world stage. South Africa’s qualification has energized its supporters, and Cape Verde’s first appearance in the knockout rounds has become one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories.
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