Cape Verde and Senegal led another memorable outing for African football at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both nations secured places in the Round of 32, while former champions Uruguay suffered a shock group-stage elimination.
Tournament debutants Cape Verde continued their fairytale campaign by holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw, a result that, alongside Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay, ensured the island nation finished second in Group H to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Senegal also booked their place in the Round of 32 after demolishing Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match. The emphatic victory became the highest-scoring win ever recorded by an African nation in a FIFA World Cup match and secured the Lions of Teranga’s passage to the knockout stage.
The results ended Uruguay’s World Cup journey, with the two-time champions finishing third in Group H behind Spain and Cape Verde.
With the conclusion of Friday’s group matches, the race for the knockout rounds has intensified, with only six places remaining before the Round of 32 lineup is completed.
Teams Qualified for the Round of 32
Mexico
South Africa
Switzerland
Canada
Brazil
Morocco
United States
Australia
Germany
Ivory Coast
Ecuador
Netherlands
Japan
Sweden
Spain
Cape Verde
France
Norway
Belgium
Egypt
Senegal
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Paraguay
Colombia
Argentina
England (qualified at least as one of the best third-placed teams)
Only six Round of 32 places remain to be decided as the final round of group-stage matches continues.
