World Cup 2026: Africa celebrates historic first round as nine nations reach round of 32

Africa has produced its strongest collective performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine of its 10 representatives progressing to the Round of 32 after an impressive group-stage campaign.

Only Tunisia failed to advance beyond the opening phase of the tournament, leaving the continent with an outstanding qualification record that surpasses every other confederation in percentage terms.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for African football, with the continent’s representatives delivering consistent performances across the group stage to secure places in the knockout rounds.

Attention will now turn to the Round of 32, where the nine remaining African nations will attempt to continue their World Cup journeys against opponents from across the globe.

Africa records outstanding group stage performance

The 2026 World Cup has provided one of the continent’s most successful tournaments in history during the opening round.

Nine teams progress to the knockout stage

Ten African nations began the competition with ambitions of reaching the knockout rounds.

By the conclusion of the group stage, nine had successfully secured qualification for the Round of 32.

Only Tunisia were unable to progress, making them the sole African team eliminated during the first phase of the tournament.

The remaining nations ensured Africa achieved the highest qualification percentage of any continent represented at the World Cup.

That collective success reflects the strength and consistency shown by African teams throughout the opening stage of the competition.

Knockout challenge awaits African representatives

Having impressed during the group stage, Africa’s remaining teams now prepare for the next phase of the tournament.

Nine nations set for round of 32 action

The Round of 32 schedule features nine African countries facing opponents from Europe, North America, South America and Oceania.

The fixtures are as follows:

• Sunday, June 28: South Africa vs Canada – 8:00 PM
• Tuesday, June 30: Netherlands vs Morocco – 2:00 AM
• Tuesday, June 30: Ivory Coast vs Norway – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, July 1: England vs DR Congo – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday, July 1: Belgium vs Senegal – 9:00 PM
• Friday, July 3: Switzerland vs Algeria – 4:00 AM
• Friday, July 3: Australia vs Egypt – 7:00 PM
• Friday, July 3: Argentina vs Cape Verde – 11:00 PM
• Saturday, July 4: Colombia vs Ghana – 2:30 AM

Each fixture offers another opportunity for African football to build on an already memorable tournament.

Momentum builds ahead of the knockout stage

The group-stage results have placed African football in a strong position as the competition enters its decisive rounds.

Continent targets further World Cup success

Reaching the Round of 32 with nine teams represents a remarkable collective achievement and highlights the progress made by African nations on football’s biggest stage.

With only Tunisia missing out on qualification, the continent enters the knockout phase with more representatives than any previous African World Cup campaign.

The challenge now shifts from securing qualification to extending those campaigns even further as Africa’s remaining teams attempt to continue their historic run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.