World Cup 2026: CAF president Motsepe congratulates nine African teams for historic knockout stage qualification

President of the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, has congratulated the nine African national teams that qualified for the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, describing the achievement as a historic moment for the continent.

It is the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup that 90% of African national teams have progressed from the group stage to the knockout phase.

The nine African teams that qualified for the Round of 32 are: Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa.

Dr Motsepe praised the players, technical teams, and football leadership across the continent for what he called a “hard-earned and well-deserved” achievement.

“On behalf of the CAF Member Associations that represent 54 African Countries, I would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to the National Team players and technical teams of Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and South Africa for their hard-earned and well-deserved qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.”

He added that the success of African teams reflects the continent’s growing strength in world football.

“The players and technical teams have made each of their countries proud and have also made the 1.6 billion people on the African Continent and in the Diaspora, proud. The global competitiveness and world-class quality of African football is being recognised and highlighted by the victories and qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 by each of the 9 African National Teams.”

Motsepe further highlighted the role of long-term investment and reforms in African football development.

“The hard work and investments in youth football development, coaching, professional football leagues and football infrastructure in each of CAF’s 54 Member Associations and in the CAF Competitions, is bearing fruit. The governance, transparency, management, financial and auditing best practices that have been introduced has attracted new sponsors and partners and these financial partnerships have contributed to the development and growth of African football.”

He also extended appreciation to national football leaders and governments across the continent.

“I also want to congratulate the 9 CAF Member Association Presidents and their Executive Committees and to thank the African Governments for their cooperation and support of the CAF Member Associations in their countries.”

CAF concluded by wishing all nine African teams success as they continue their World Cup 2026 campaign.