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Seven African countries have secured qualification for the Round of 32 at the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, showcasing the continent’s impressive performance in the tournament’s expanded 48-team format.
Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal and Ghana have all booked places in the knockout stage, while Algeria and DR Congo still have a chance of progressing ahead of their final group matches on Sunday, June 28.
Morocco advanced as Group C runners-up after defeating Haiti 4-2 in their final group game and will face Group F winners the Netherlands on June 29.
South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after recovering from an opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico. Bafana Bafana drew with Czechia before defeating South Korea to finish second in Group A and set up a Round of 32 clash with Canada on June 28.
Côte d’Ivoire also progressed after finishing second in Group E with victories over Ecuador and Curaçao. The Elephants will take on the runners-up from Group I on June 30.
Egypt secured second place in Group G following a 1-1 draw with Iran and will face Australia in Dallas on Friday.
Tournament debutants Cabo Verde remained unbeaten in Group H after drawing against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The Islanders will now meet defending champions Argentina in Miami.
Senegal advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after recording a 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I fixture.
Ghana also confirmed their place in the Round of 32 before completing their final Group L match, with results elsewhere ensuring their qualification.
Algeria remain in contention for a knockout place and will battle Austria on Sunday for the Group J runners-up spot.
DR Congo also retains slim hopes of progressing. The Congolese must defeat Uzbekistan and hope Portugal loses to Colombia to have a chance of reaching the Round of 32.
Elsewhere, co-hosts Mexico and the United States, alongside Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador and Sweden have also qualified for the knockout phase.
Tunisia became the only African nation eliminated so far, joining Haiti, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia and Curaçao.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams and a Round of 32, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stage.
