Nine of Africa’s 10 representatives advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Tunisia the only team from the continent to exit after the group stage.
Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ghana, Algeria and Democratic Republic of the Congo all secured places in the Round of 32.
Tunisia, Africa’s only team eliminated in the group stage, failed to progress to the knockout rounds.
The remaining nine African teams will continue their World Cup campaigns in the Round of 32 as the tournament enters its knockout phase.
Brazil topped Group C, with Morocco — still riding the momentum of their historic 2022 semi-final run — finishing second. Mexico won Group A, with South Africa progressing alongside them. Germany topped Group E ahead of Ivory Coast on goal difference.
Egypt finished runners-up to Belgium in Group G, while Cape Verde produced the tournament's biggest surprise, advancing behind Spain in their World Cup debut as the smallest nation ever to reach the knockouts.
Senegal and Algeria both progressed as third-placed teams from Groups I and J, behind France/Norway and Argentina/Austria respectively.
Ghana advanced similarly from Group L, behind England and Croatia, while DRC also went through as a third-placed side from Group K, behind Colombia and Portugal.
