Nine African teams reach World Cup knockout stage for the first time
Africa is celebrating a historic achievement at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the first time, nine African teams have advanced to the knockout stage. Algeria and DR Congo secured their spots after their final group matches, joining Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal, and Ghana. This marks an unprecedented success for the continent in the tournament.
Match highlights
- Algeria and DR Congo are the latest African teams to qualify for the last 32.
- DR Congo earned their spot with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Atlanta, topping the eight best third-placed teams.
- Algeria advanced after a 3-3 draw against Austria, finishing third in Group J with four points.
- Nine out of ten African teams progressed, with only Tunisia eliminated after finishing bottom of Group F.
- Africa now has 90 per cent of its representatives in the knockout rounds, the continent’s strongest showing ever at a FIFA World Cup.
