South Africa and Morocco Lead Africa into the World Cup Last 32

AFRICA · SPORT

South Africa and Morocco have led Africa’s record 10 teams into the World Cup last 32, with South Africa reaching the knockout rounds for the first time ever. As the group stage closes, the African teams at the World Cup are enjoying their biggest presence in the tournament’s history.

A record turnout

Never before has Africa sent so many teams to a World Cup. Ten African nations are in North America for the 2026 finals, up from five at most past tournaments.

The full list reads like a tour of the continent: Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Cape Verde and DR Congo. The leap was made possible by the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams.

That bigger field gives more nations a stage, and Africa has seized it. Even tiny Cape Verde, one of the smallest countries ever to qualify, is among the 10.

South Africa make history

The standout story so far belongs to South Africa. A win over South Korea carried the team, known as Bafana Bafana, into the last 32 for the first time in their history.

It is a milestone a generation in the making. South Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010 but went out in the group stage, a wound this run begins to heal.

Back home, the result has been met with relief and pride. A team that has spent years rebuilding finally has a night to celebrate.

Morocco march on

Morocco arrived as the continent’s great hope, and they have looked the part. A 4-2 win over Haiti booked their place in the knockout rounds.

The Atlas Lions carry real pedigree into this tournament. They reached the semi-finals in 2022, the first African team ever to go that far, and they will co-host the 2030 World Cup.

That mix of form and ambition makes them Africa’s banner side. Few outside the traditional powers will want to draw them.

A long run by Morocco would lift the whole continent. It has done so before.

Senegal stumble

Not every story is a happy one. Senegal, ranked among Africa’s strongest squads, are staring at an early exit after a 3-2 defeat to Norway.

For a side once tipped to go deep, it is a sobering turn. Their fate now depends on results elsewhere as the group stage ends.

Still to be decided

Several more of the African teams at the World Cup are still writing their stories. Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Cape Verde are all chasing the points they need as the final group games play out.

The expanded format helps, because the eight best third-placed teams also go through. That keeps hope alive for sides that have stumbled but not fallen.

The knockout rounds begin on 28 June and run to 3 July. By then the shape of Africa’s campaign will be clear.

More slots, more stories

The bigger tournament handed Africa more places than ever before. Nine teams qualified directly, with DR Congo claiming a tenth through the intercontinental play-offs.

That extra room let underdogs through alongside the usual names. Cape Verde, an island nation of around half a million people, reached its first World Cup, a fairytale in its own right.

The setting has amplified the mood. With the tournament spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, huge African diaspora crowds have turned host cities into a sea of national colours.

For many fans far from home, the matches double as reunions. The football is the draw, but the gathering is the point.

Why it matters

Football is one of Africa’s most powerful exports of pride and image. Ten teams on the world’s biggest stage put dozens of African cities and stories in front of a global audience.

There is a money side too. Deep runs lift sponsorship, broadcast value and the market for African players abroad.

With Morocco set to co-host in 2030, Africa’s footprint at the World Cup is only growing. This tournament is a glimpse of what that future looks like.

For now, the focus is on the knockouts ahead. Africa has rarely entered them with so many flags still flying.

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