2026 World Cup: Two African teams qualify for Round of 16, eight eliminated

Out of 10 African countries at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and nine that qualified for the Round of 32, only two have progressed to the last 16.

Egypt became the latest team from the continent to advance after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Australia.

The Pharaohs defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties in their Round of 32 clash on Friday after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.

Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the first half before Mohamed Hany’s own goal restored parity in the 55th minute.

With neither side able to find a winner after 120 minutes, Egypt held their nerve in the shootout to book a place in the last 16.

The victory marked Egypt’s first-ever knockout-stage win at a FIFA World Cup.

They will face Argentina in the Round of 16 after the defending champions edged Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in another Round of 32 encounter.

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Morocco were the continent’s first Round of 16 qualifiers

The Atlas Lions defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

They will face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday (today).

Africa’s hopes of a deeper run at the tournament were dented after eight of its representatives exited the competition.

Côte d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Norway, Canada beat South Africa 1-0, Switzerland won 2-0 against Algeria, DR Congo fell 2-1 to England, Senegal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, Ghana were beaten 1-0 by Colombia, while Cape Verde narrowly lost 3-2 after extra time to Argentina.

Algeria were eliminated in the group stage and did not reach the Round of 32.

With Egypt and Morocco carrying the continent’s hopes, Africa will now look to secure a place in the quarter-finals when both sides play their Round of 16 fixtures.

African teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Qualified for Round of 16: Egypt, Morocco

Eliminated in Round of 32: Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde

Eliminated in group stage: Algeria

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