Seven African nations have secured places in the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a strong showing for the continent at the expanded tournament.

Out of the 10 teams representing the continent, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal and Ghana have so far confirmed their places in the knockout stage.

Algeria and DR Congo remain in contention ahead of their final group matches on Sunday, June 28.

Morocco finished runners-up in Group C after a 4-2 victory over Haiti, setting up a Round of 32 clash against Group F winners the Netherlands on June 29.

South Africa made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after recovering from an opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico.

Bafana Bafana drew with Czechia before defeating Korea Republic to finish second in Group A and book a meeting with Canada on June 28.

Côte d’Ivoire also progressed after finishing second in Group E with victories over Ecuador and Curaçao.

The Elephants will face the runners-up from Group I in the Round of 32 on June 30.

Egypt finished second in Group G after drawing 1-1 with Iran in their final group game and will meet Australia in Dallas on Friday.

Tournament debutants Cabo Verde continued their fairytale run by emerging unbeaten from Group H with draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

The Islanders now face defending champions Argentina in Miami on Friday.

Senegal advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after a 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I match.

Ghana also booked a place in the knockout stage before playing their final Group L fixture after their four points and results elsewhere guaranteed their progression.

Among the remaining African representatives, Algeria share 3 points with Austria and clash between both countries on Sunday will determine Group J runner-up and Round of 32 joiners.

DR Congo has slim hope with only a point, sitting third in Group K against runner-up Portugal with four points. However, they could progress if they win Uzbekistan and Portugal lose against Colombia on Sunday.

Elsewhere, co-hosts Mexico and the United States, alonside Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador and Sweden have also advanced to the Round of 32.

Teams already eliminated from the tournament include Tunisia from Africa, alongside Haiti, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia and Curaçao.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams and a Round of 32, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams progressing to the knockout stage. (PUNCH)

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