Egypt and Morocco are the remaining African nations in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Round of 32, carrying Africa’s hopes into the knockout stage following the elimination of the continent’s other representatives.
Egypt secured their place in the last 16 after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties on Friday. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Emam Ashour opening the scoring before an own goal by Mohamed Hany brought Australia level in the 55th minute.
The Pharaohs held their nerve in the shootout to record their first-ever victory in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup. Egypt will now face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16 after the South Americans edged Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time.
Morocco go through
Morocco became Africa’s first Round of 16 qualifier after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The Atlas Lions will face co-hosts Canada in the last 16 as they seek a place in the quarter-finals.
Africa’s challenge reduced to two teams
Africa’s hopes of a deeper run at the tournament suffered a major setback as eight of the continent’s representatives exited the competition.
Côte d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Norway, South Africa were beaten 1-0 by Canada, Switzerland defeated Algeria 2-0, DR Congo lost 2-1 to England, Senegal fell 3-2 to Belgium, Ghana were beaten 1-0 by Colombia, while Cape Verde narrowly lost 3-2 after extra time to Argentina.
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Algeria failed to progress beyond the group stage and did not reach the Round of 32.
African teams at the 2026 World Cup
Qualified for Round of 16:
Egypt
Morocco
Eliminated in Round of 32:
Côte d’Ivoire
DR Congo
Senegal
South Africa
Ghana
Cape Verde
Eliminated in group stage:
Algeria
Egypt and Morocco will now attempt to extend Africa’s presence in the tournament when they play their respective Round of 16 matches.
