By Thursday night, three African nations had already qualified for the knock-out stage, making it the highest number from the continent in the tournament’s history.
Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, qualified after finishing second to Brazil in Group 'C', as South Africa from Group 'A' and Cote d’Ivoire from Group 'E' also secured second spots to advance to the knock-outs of the World Cup for the very first time.
Egypt are poised to top Group “G” and also make a historic knock-out stage. They just needed a win or draw against Iran last evening to guarantee their passage. Even a loss could still see the Pharaohs through as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Algeria, Ghana, DR Congo and surprise package Cape Verde were also all in the running for a second round place.
Granted that with a 48-team tournament being held for the first time, a new round of 32 stage has been introduced, but it still is a knock-out.
In the history of the World Cup, before the 2026 edition, only six African nations -- Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon and Nigeria-- had progressed beyond the group.
Algeria did it in 2014, Ghana in 2006 and 2010, Senegal in 2002 and 2022, Cameroon in 1990, Morocco in 1986 and 2022, and Nigeria in 1994, 1998 and 2014.
It was only at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil that Africa had two representatives in the knockout phase – the round of 16.
Morocco's Gessime Yassine (right) and Achraf Hakimi celebrates a goal in their Group C Fifa World Cup 2026 match against Haiti Atlanta Stadium, Georgia on June 24, 2026.
Photo credit: Reuters
History has already been written with the three qualifiers and looks likely to be more by the end of Saturday when all group fixtures are completed, pointing to an improvement by the African teams relative to the rest of the world.
Ghana just need to avoid defeat against Croatia in their Group 'L' clash while a draw for Algeria against Austria in Group 'J' in a match scheduled for earlier today will see the Black Stars advance.
Cape Verde were in a tough situation of having to beat Saudi Arabia in a Group 'H' tie and DR Congo defeat Uzbekistan last evening to guarantee themselves passage to the round of 32.
“I want Ivorians to enjoy this historic qualification. And once we are done celebrating, pray for us to go as far as possible in this tournament. This group of players is young and it is growing. This is their first World Cup. It is a good team,” Ivorian coach Emerson Fae said on Thursday after their historic qualification.
South Africa will face Canada while Morocco take on the Netherlands in their round of 32 fixtures, with the winners meeting in the last 16. A possibility of an all-African round of 16 clash beckons for the very first time.
Egypt never went beyond the group stage in their participation in 1934, 1990 and 2018.
“I want this generation to write their history. They are fresh and hungry to prove themselves,” said Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, who played in the 1990 finals.
Colombian songstress Shakira's 2010 World Cup official song was titled "Waka Waka” – “This Time for Africa".
