History made! 9 out of 10 African teams qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages | Football news

NEW DELHI: Africa achieved its best ever performance in a FIFA World Cupwith nine of its 10 teams reaching the Round of 32 at the 2026 tournament. It is the first time that so many African nations have qualified for the knockout stage. The previous record was just two teams, set at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when Algeria and Nigeria advanced. The only African team that missed out this time was Tunisia.

Nine nations book the knockout places

After 17 days of group action, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, DR Congo and Cabo Verde have all secured places in the Round of 32.The remarkable achievement highlights the growing strength of African football on the world stage.

Algeria survived the late drama

Algeria sealed qualification after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria.The game looked to be headed Algeria’s way when captain Riyad Mahrez scored late in stoppage time to make it 3-2. However, Austria equalized with almost the final shot of the game.The draw is enough for both teams to qualify for the knockout phase.

DR Congo created history

DR Congo reached the knockout rounds for the first time after coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1.Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan an early lead, but DR Congo fought back in the second half.Yoane Wissa equalized from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele put his side ahead. Wissa then added another goal in stoppage time to complete the comeback.The win was also DR Congo’s first World Cup victory. They will now face England in the Round of 32.

Cape Verde continues the fairy tale race

World Cup debutants Cabo Verde also made history by reaching the knockout stages without winning a single group game.The Blue Sharks have drawn all three games, including impressive results against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.They became the first team from Chile at the 1998 World Cup to advance from the group stage without winning a match.Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha also entered the record books. At the age of 40, he became only the third goalkeeper in World Cup history, after Peter Shilton and Dino Zoff, to keep multiple clean sheets after turning 40.

Morocco continues to impress

Morocco, who became the first African team to reach a semi-final of the World Cup in Qatar 2022, once again showed their quality.They drew 1-1 with Brazil during the group stage and head into the knockout rounds as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.