World Cup 2026: How 9 African Nations Made History in the Round of 32

By Victor Idajili

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is done, and Africa has written its boldest chapter yet. 

For the first time, the continent had 10 teams at an expanded World Cup. Nine of them are now in the Round of 32 — the best collective showing by Africa in tournament history. Here’s how each side punched their ticket to the knockouts.

MOROCCO
The Atlas Lions came out firing. A draw against Brazil in their opener set the tone, followed by two tight 1-0 wins. Seven points was enough to finish second in Group C, just behind Brazil on goal difference. 

SOUTH AFRICA 
Bafana Bafana looked down after losing to co-hosts Mexico on day one. But Hugo Broos’ men regrouped. A draw with Czech Republic and a shock win over South Korea sealed second in Group A and South Africa’s first-ever World Cup knockout appearance. 

IVORY COAST 
The Elephants took the scenic route. They beat Ecuador 1-0 and Curaçao 2-0, with a 2-1 loss to Germany in between. Four points was enough for second place in Group E and a spot in the next round.

EGYPT 
The Pharaohs, led by Mohamed Salah, mixed steel with magic. They held Belgium, recorded their first-ever World Cup win against New Zealand, and drew with Iran. That run carried them to second in Group G.

CAPE VERDE
Debutants, but unbothered. The Blue Sharks didn’t lose a game: 1-1 with Spain, 2-2 with Uruguay, and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. Three draws and three points put them second in Group H for a historic first knockout round.

GHANA  
The Black Stars stumbled late, losing 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L game. But they had already banked four points from the first two matches, including a draw with England. That cushion carried them through in third place.

DR CONGO  
The Leopards saved their best for last. A 3-1 win in the final Group K match gave them their first World Cup victory ever and enough points to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

ALGERIA
The Desert Foxes started with a controversial loss to defending champions Argentina, but bounced back with a historic win over Jordan. Riyad Mahrez then led them to a 3-3 thriller in the last group game, sealing third-place qualification.

SENEGAL 
It was nervy for the Teranga Lions. Back-to-back defeats to France and Norway had their campaign on the brink. A dominant 5-0 win over Iraq in the finale kept them alive, and they snatched the last spot as the eighth-best third-placed team.

From first-timers like Cape Verde to history-makers like South Africa and DR Congo, Africa’s depth is on full display in North America. With nine teams still in it, the continent will be aiming to go beyond just reaching the Round of 32.