Africa has recorded its greatest-ever performance at the FIFA World Cup after a historic nine of its ten representatives qualified for the Round of 32 of the 2026 tournament.
The continent surpassed all previous records, with Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo securing places in the knockout stage, leaving Tunisia as the only African nation eliminated in the group phase.
The historic feat was completed on Saturday after DR Congo produced a stunning 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan, while Algeria earned a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria to book their places among the final 32 teams.
DR Congo’s qualification was particularly memorable as the Leopards claimed their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, overturning an early deficit through a brace from Yoane Wissa and a goal by Fiston Mayele. The victory also secured the country’s maiden appearance in the World Cup knockout stage.
Algeria also demonstrated resilience by battling Austria to a thrilling draw, a result that proved enough to send the Desert Foxes into the next round.
The achievement marks a watershed moment for African football, with nine nations progressing from the group stage in the expanded 48-team World Cup, underlining the continent’s growing competitiveness on the global stage.
The African representatives will now aim to extend their remarkable run as they prepare for the Round of 32, with hopes of producing another historic breakthrough in the knockout rounds.
