Algeria and DR Congo have completed Africa historic representation in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both nations secured qualification, taking the continent’s tally in the knockout stage to a record nine teams.
The duo joined Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana and Senegal to ensure Africa enjoys its best-ever performance at the World Cup, surpassing the continent’s previous record of just two teams reaching the knockout stage.
DR Congo booked their place in dramatic fashion after fighting back in the second half to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta in their last group stage match on Saturday.
The victory secured the country’s first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stage, where they will face England on Wednesday.
Algeria also confirmed qualification after battling Austria to a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Kansas City Stadium, also in their last group stage match on Saturday.
The point was enough to send the North Africans through from Group J. With Algeria and DR Congo progressing, nine of Africa’s 10 representatives at the expanded 48-team tournament have now reached the Round of 32.
Tunisia is the only African side eliminated in the group stage. Morocco qualified from Group C after defeating Haiti 4-2 and will face the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
South Africa recovered from an opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico by drawing with Czechia and defeating Korea Republic to finish second in Group A.
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Bafana Bafana will take on Canada in the knockout stage. Côte d’Ivoire advanced from Group E after victories over Ecuador and Curaçao secured second place, earning a Round of 32 meeting with the runners-up from Group I.
Egypt progressed from Group G after a 1-1 draw against Iran in their final group match and will face Australia. Tournament debutants Cape Verde continued their remarkable campaign by finishing unbeaten in Group H after draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
They have been rewarded with a clash against defending champions Argentina.
Senegal reached the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams following a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I fixture.
Ghana also secured qualification from Group L after collecting four points, with results elsewhere confirming the Black Stars’ passage to the Round of 32.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition of the competition featuring 48 teams, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32.
Qualified African teams
Morocco, Group C
South Africa, Group A
Côte d’Ivoire, Group E
Egypt, Group G
Cape Verde, Group H
Ghana, Group L
Senegal, Best third-placed team
Algeria, Group J
DR Congo, Best third-placed team.
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