Africa will send nine teams into the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the close of a thrilling group stage spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

South Africa, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Congo DR, and Algeria have all advanced, giving the continent its strongest-ever presence in a World Cup knockout phase.

The expanded 48-team format has widened the field, but Africa's representatives earned their spots through standout performances, historic firsts, and last-day drama.

South Africa open the knockout campaign

South Africa are first into action, facing co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June. Bafana Bafana progressed from Group A as runners-up after recovering from an opening loss to Mexico, drawing with Czechia, and defeating Korea Republic.

It marks the first time South Africa have ever reached the World Cup knockout stage — a milestone moment for the nation.

Morocco face Netherlands in a heavyweight clash

Morocco take on the Netherlands at Monterrey Stadium on Monday, 29 June. The Atlas Lions finished second in Group C behind Brazil, accumulating seven points and closing with a 4-2 victory over Haiti.

Semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco again carry Africa's heaviest expectations into the knockout rounds.

Côte d'Ivoire make history against Norway

Côte d'Ivoire face Norway in Dallas on Tuesday, 30 June after finishing second in Group E. The Elephants sealed qualification with wins over Ecuador and Curaçao, becoming a World Cup knockout team for the first time in their history.

Senegal take on Belgium

Senegal meet Belgium in Seattle on Wednesday, 1 July. The Teranga Lions advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a commanding 5-0 win over Iraq in their final Group I match — a result that rescued their campaign following defeats to France and Norway.

Belgium recovered from a slow start in Group G to finish strongly, and Senegal will need another top-level showing to progress.

Congo DR face England in Atlanta

Congo DR confront England in Atlanta on Wednesday, 1 July. The Leopards came through as one of the top third-placed teams from Group K, behind Colombia and Portugal, setting up one of the round's most demanding fixtures.

England topped Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama alongside a draw with Ghana, making this a formidable but tantalising test for Congo DR.

Algeria squeeze through to face Switzerland

Algeria meet Switzerland in Vancouver on Thursday, 2 July. The Desert Foxes secured their place as the last of the eight best third-placed teams after a heart-stopping 3-3 draw with Austria in their final Group J match — a result that kept them alive by the narrowest of margins.

Switzerland topped Group B with seven points, making this a demanding assignment for Algeria.

Egypt look to progress against Australia

Egypt face Australia in Dallas on Friday, 3 July. The Pharaohs finished second in Group G after drawing with Iran, a result that confirmed their progression as runners-up before a ball was kicked in their final match.

Australia came through Group D in second place, presenting Egypt with a difficult but navigable path into the last 16.

Cape Verde earn a glamour tie with Argentina

Cape Verde's historic debut continues with a showpiece meeting against defending champions Argentina in Miami on Friday, 3 July. The Blue Sharks went through Group H unbeaten — drawing with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia — to finish second.

Their reward is a date with Lionel Messi's Argentina, one of the tournament's overwhelming favourites, and another landmark chapter in Cape Verde's extraordinary inaugural campaign.

Ghana take on Colombia in Kansas City

Ghana face Colombia at Kansas City Stadium on Friday, 3 July. The Black Stars progressed from Group L as one of the best third-placed sides after beating Panama, drawing goallessly with England, and suffering a narrow defeat to Croatia.

Colombia, who topped Group K after beating Uzbekistan and Congo DR before drawing with Portugal, will pose a significant test — but Carlos Queiroz's side have already shown the defensive discipline and resilience this tournament demands.

A defining moment for African football

Nine nations. Nine knockout ties. Africa enters the Round of 32 with a blend of proven tournament experience — Morocco and Senegal chief among them — and genuine history-making from South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, and Cape Verde.

The continent has never been better represented at a World Cup. The challenge now is to convert that presence into results on the pitch.