Africa makes World Cup history with record nine-team Round of 32 line-up
Algeria and DR Congo have completed Africa's historic representation in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both nations secured qualification from their respective groups on Saturday.
The pair joined Morocco, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana and Senegal to take Africa's tally in the knockout stage to a record nine teams—the continent's best-ever performance at a FIFA World Cup.
The achievement eclipses Africa's previous record of just two teams reaching the knockout rounds, underlining the continent's growing strength on the global stage in the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
DR Congo sealed a memorable first qualification for the World Cup knockout stage after coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta. The second-half comeback earned the Central Africans a place in the Round of 32, where they will face England on Wednesday.
Algeria also booked their place after battling Austria to an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Kansas City Stadium. The result was enough for the Desert Foxes to progress from Group J.
With Algeria and DR Congo advancing, nine of Africa's 10 representatives have successfully navigated the group stage, with Tunisia the only team from the continent to exit the tournament early.
Morocco secured top spot in Group C after defeating Haiti 4-2 and will face the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
South Africa bounced back from an opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico by drawing with Czechia before defeating Korea Republic to finish second in Group A. Bafana Bafana will meet Canada in the knockout stage.
Côte d'Ivoire progressed from Group E after victories over Ecuador and Curaçao earned them second place and a Round of 32 clash with the runners-up from Group I.
Egypt advanced from Group G following a 1-1 draw against Iran in their final group match and will take on Australia.
Tournament debutants Cape Verde continued their fairytale campaign by finishing unbeaten in Group H after draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. They have been rewarded with a blockbuster tie against defending champions Argentina.
Senegal qualified as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams after a dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I fixture.
Ghana also advanced from Group L after collecting four points, with results elsewhere confirming the Black Stars' place in the knockout stage.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams progressing to the Round of 32.
Africa's Qualified Teams for the Round of 32:
Morocco (Group C)
South Africa (Group A)
Côte d'Ivoire (Group E)
Egypt (Group G)
Cape Verde (Group H)
Ghana (Group L)
Algeria (Group J)
Senegal (Best third-placed team)
DR Congo (Best third-placed team)
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