Running Africa — Africa has delivered its strongest-ever FIFA World Cup performance, with a record nine nations advancing to the Round of 32 at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the continent on football’s biggest stage.

Tunisia was the only African representative to fall short of the knockout rounds, while Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, DR Congo, and Algeria all progressed from the group stage in an unprecedented showing of African football’s growing global strength.

South Africa’s historic campaign came to an end in the Round of 32 after a narrow 1-0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Canada, reducing Africa’s remaining contenders to eight.

Several nations have already rewritten their football history. South Africa and the Ivory Coast reached the knockout stage for the first time, while Cape Verde enjoyed a dream FIFA World Cup debut by advancing unbeaten from the group stage.

Morocco, fresh off its historic semifinal run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, continues to carry Africa’s highest expectations and now faces the Netherlands in one of the standout Round of 32 clashes.

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast will meet Norway, Senegal takes on Belgium, DR Congo faces England, Algeria battles Switzerland, Egypt meets Australia, Cape Verde squares off against defending champions Argentina, and Ghana faces Colombia.

With eight African nations still competing after South Africa’s exit, the continent remains firmly in the hunt for a historic World Cup breakthrough. The record number of teams reaching the knockout stage highlights the continued rise of African football and reinforces the continent’s growing influence on the global game.