Seven African countries have booked their places in the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting a strong performance by the continent at the expanded tournament.
Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal and Ghana have all secured qualification from the group stage, while Algeria and DR Congo still have a chance of progressing ahead of their final group matches on Sunday, June 28.
Morocco finished second in Group C after defeating Haiti 4-2 and will now face the Netherlands in the Round of 32 on June 29.
South Africa made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. After losing their opening game to co-hosts Mexico, Bafana Bafana bounced back with a draw against Czechia before beating South Korea to finish second in Group A. They will face Canada in the next round.
Côte d’Ivoire also advanced after finishing second in Group E with victories over Ecuador and Curaçao. The Elephants will play the runners-up from Group I on June 30.
Egypt secured second place in Group G after a 1-1 draw with Iran and will take on Australia in Dallas.
Tournament debutants Cabo Verde continued their impressive run by finishing unbeaten in Group H, recording draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. They now face defending champions Argentina in Miami.
Senegal qualified as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams after a convincing 5-0 win over Iraq in their final Group I match.
Ghana also progressed before their final Group L fixture after results elsewhere guaranteed their place in the knockout stage.
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Algeria and DR Congo remain in the race for qualification. Algeria, level on three points with Austria, must get a positive result in their final Group J game to advance. DR Congo, with one point in Group K, still have a slim chance of reaching the Round of 32 if they beat Uzbekistan and Portugal lose to Colombia.
Several other countries have also progressed, including co-hosts Mexico and the United States, as well as Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador and Sweden.
Tunisia are the only African side already eliminated, joining Haiti, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia and Curaçao, who have all exited the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the new Round of 32.
