Africa has achieved its best-ever performance at the FIFA World Cup, with nine countries progressing to the Round of 32 at the expanded 2026 tournament.
The historic feat was confirmed on Saturday after the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, while Algeria secured qualification following a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria.
The nine African teams advancing to the knockout stage are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cabo Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Algeria.
The achievement shatters the previous record of two African nations reaching the knockout rounds in a single World Cup, a milestone previously set in both the 2014 and 2022 editions.
Morocco, who became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar 2022, have once again underlined their credentials after holding five-time champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw during the group stage.
The expanded 48-team tournament has also provided a platform for emerging African sides, with Cabo Verde and DR Congo producing impressive campaigns to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.
DR Congo booked their place with a convincing 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan. Yoane Wissa scored twice, including a penalty, while Fiston Mayele added the decisive third goal to seal a memorable win.
“It’s really historic for our country,” Mayele said after the match.
“It’s the first win and the first knockout stage. Everyone in my country is happy with what we did. We’re proud to be Congolese, and I think we will keep going.”
The Congolese side will now face England in the Round of 32 as they seek to extend their remarkable run.
Algeria also secured qualification after one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. Riyad Mahrez appeared to have won the game with a stoppage-time strike to make it 3-2, only for Austria to equalise moments later. The 3-3 draw proved enough for both teams to advance while eliminating Iran.
Reflecting on DR Congo’s achievement, Wissa highlighted the significance of returning to the World Cup after more than five decades.
“It’s only the second time we are in the World Cup, 52 years later,” Wissa said.
“We started this journey four years ago with this group. Nothing is easy in football. We just need to show resilience, and when a moment like this comes, you have to enjoy it.”
Wissa believes Africa’s strong showing at the tournament signals an exciting future for the continent.
“Now every African team can dream big,” he said.
“The last World Cup, Morocco reached the semi-finals. Now we have many African teams in the knockout stage. Young players are coming through earlier, and that shows African football can continue to grow.”
With nine teams still in contention, Africa’s record-breaking performance has reinforced the continent’s growing influence on the global football stage and raised hopes that another deep World Cup run could be on the horizon.
