{"id":2000117343,"date":"2026-06-28T09:49:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T07:49:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/?p=2000117343"},"modified":"2026-06-28T09:49:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T07:49:21","slug":"africa-makes-world-cup-history-as-nine-teams-advance-to-knockouts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/africa-makes-world-cup-history-as-nine-teams-advance-to-knockouts\/","title":{"rendered":"Africa makes World Cup history as nine teams advance to knockouts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

African football has delivered a historic breakthrough at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine of its ten representatives advancing to the Round of 32 after a dramatic and tightly contested group stage campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan and Algeria\u2019s thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria on Saturday night sealed the final qualification spots, completing an unprecedented achievement for the continent. Only Tunisia failed to progress beyond the group stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scale of the success marks a dramatic leap for African nations on football\u2019s biggest stage. The previous record for teams reaching the knockout rounds had been just two in a single tournament, set in both 2014 and 2022. Before this year, only six African countries had ever reached the knockout phase across World Cup history, underscoring just how significant the 2026 performance has been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nine nations progressing are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Algeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morocco once again leads the continent\u2019s ambitions after becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals four years ago in Qatar. The team has continued its strong form, including a 1-1 draw against Brazil, and arrives in the knockout rounds as one of the more experienced contenders. Morocco will also co-host the 2030 World Cup, adding further weight to its growing football profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elsewhere, Cape Verde and DR Congo have emerged as surprise packages of the tournament, both reaching the Round of 32 in their World Cup debut appearances at this stage. Their progress has been emblematic of a deeper shift in African football strength across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DR Congo\u2019s qualification was particularly emotional after a hard-fought win over Uzbekistan. Forward Fiston Mayele scored in the 78th minute, sandwiched between two goals from Yoane Wissa, including a penalty and a stoppage-time strike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really historic for our country, Congo,\u201d Mayele said after the match. \u201cIt\u2019s the first win and the first knockout stage. Today, I have to be proud here, and almost everywhere in my country, everyone is happy with what we did. We\u2019re proud to be Congolese, and I think we will keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DR Congo now face a daunting Round of 32 clash with England, but the squad has embraced its breakthrough moment. Wissa reflected on the long road to reaching this stage, highlighting the team\u2019s resilience through qualification setbacks and early tournament challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only the second time we are in the World Cup, 52 years later,\u201d Wissa said. \u201cNothing is easy in football. We just need to show resilience, and when a time like this comes, you have to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Algeria\u2019s path was no less dramatic. In a tense encounter with Austria, captain Riyad Mahrez struck in stoppage time to edge his side ahead after a match that appeared destined for a draw. Austria responded immediately with a goal on the final play, but the result was enough for both sides to advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The broader success of African teams has reshaped expectations at this year\u2019s tournament, with established powers like Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast progressing alongside emerging sides such as Cape Verde and DR Congo. The depth of qualification has reinforced the continent\u2019s growing competitiveness on the global stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the knockout phase begins, African football carries both momentum and belief. What was once an occasional breakthrough has become a collective surge, and for nine nations, the World Cup journey is far from over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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DR Congo’s Samuel Moutoussamy celebrates with their national flag after the match against Uzbekistan as they qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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South Africa celebrate Thapelo Maseko’s goal against South Korea.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Algeria’s Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Fares Chaibi, Nabil Bentaleb, Houssem Aouar and Riyad Mahrez celebrate after the 2026 World Cup Group J match between Algeria and Austria ended in a draw Saturday in Kansas City.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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