Nine African national teams have advanced to the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking a historic milestone for the continent. It is the first time in World Cup history that 90 percent of Africa's representatives have progressed beyond the group stage.

The nine nations who secured their place in the knockout rounds are Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa.

Motsepe hails African football's finest hour

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe led the celebrations, extending his congratulations to all nine squads and their technical staffs on behalf of CAF's 54 member associations.