Africa Makes History With Record Nine Teams in World Cup Last 32

By Samuel Akpan

A record-breaking nine African teams have qualified for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

This historic feat more than quadruples Africa’s previous tournament best of just two teams advancing beyond the group stage.

Algeria and DR Congo became the latest sides to secure their round-of-32 places, joining an impressive list that also includes Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana and Senegal.

The breakthrough comes after Tunisia became the only African team to qualify for the tournament but exited at the group stage without reaching the knockout phase.

DR Congo produced one of the stories of the competition by claiming their first-ever World Cup victory, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta on Saturday.

Yoane Wissa scored twice and Fislon Mayele added the other as the Leopards recovered from a poor start to top the ranking of best third-placed teams.

The result sets up a mouth-watering clash with England on Wednesday, July 1, at 5am Nigerian time in Atlanta Stadium.

Algeria also advanced the hard way, securing the final best-losers spot with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria that pushed Iran out of contention.

They will now face Switzerland on July 3 at 4am Nigerian time in Vancouver.

Ghana likewise progressed despite a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group game, clinging on via the third-placed standings.

The Black Stars are drawn against Colombia on July 4 at 2:30am Nigerian time in Kansas City.

The round of 32 fixtures, all listed in Nigerian time, begin today with South Africa against Canada at 8pm in Los Angeles Stadium.

On June 29, Brazil takes on Japan at 6pm in Houston while Germany faces Paraguay at 9:30pm in Boston.

The following day features Netherlands versus Morocco at 2am in Estadio Monterrey, Ivory Coast against Norway at 6pm in Dallas, and France meeting Sweden at 10pm in New York New Jersey Stadium.

July 1 brings Mexico against Ecuador at 2am in Mexico City, England versus DR Congo at 5am in Atlanta, and Belgium taking on Senegal at 9pm in Seattle.

July 2 sees the United States play Bosnia and Herzegovina at 1am in San Francisco, followed by Spain against Austria at 6pm in Los Angeles.

The final day of the round of 32 on July 3 includes Portugal versus Croatia at midnight in Toronto, Switzerland against Algeria at 4am in Vancouver, Australia meeting Egypt at 7pm in Dallas, and Argentina facing Cape Verde at 11pm in Miami, before Colombia closes the round against Ghana early on July 4.