Africa teams set new World Cup record

AFRICAN football is enjoying its most successful FIFA World Cup campaign in history, with a record seven nations already through to the Round of 32 at the expanded 2026 tournament being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The 48-team competition has given Africa its largest-ever representation, with 10 nations qualifying for the finals, reflecting the continent's growing influence in world football.

Morocco, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Egypt, Cape Verde and Senegal have all officially booked their places in the knockout stages, setting a new record for the highest number of African teams to progress beyond the group phase at a single World Cup.

The achievement surpasses all previous World Cup campaigns and underlines the steady rise of African football on the global stage.

Africa's representation in the Round of 32 could increase further, with both Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo still in contention for qualification.

Algeria must defeat Austria in their final Group match to secure second place and automatic qualification.

A draw or defeat would leave the North Africans relying on goal difference and the rankings of the best third-placed teams, with four points generally regarded as the minimum required to remain in contention.

The Democratic Republic of Congo also retains a chance of advancing after collecting one point from its opening two matches, following a draw against Portugal and a defeat to Colombia.

Victory over Uzbekistan in their final group fixture in Atlanta would significantly improve their prospects of progressing, either through a top-two finish or as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Tunisia is the only African nation to have been officially eliminated from the competition after failing to progress from the group stage.

The performances of Africa's representatives have been widely celebrated across the continent, with several teams producing disciplined displays against some of the world's traditional football powers.

The expanded World Cup format has provided African nations with greater opportunities to compete at the highest level, and the record-breaking number of qualifiers for the knockout phase highlights the continent's continued growth in international football.

Should Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo also advance, Africa would further extend its record and reinforce its strongest-ever showing at the FIFA World Cup.