Africa could be on the verge of achieving its most successful FIFA World Cup campaign ever, with as many as five nations still in contention to qualify for the knockout stages of the expanded 2026 tournament.
The continent’s previous best collective performance came at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, when Algeria, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire all advanced beyond the group stage. Twelve years later, that benchmark could be surpassed as several African representatives remain firmly in the race for a place in the Round of 32.
With one round of group-stage fixtures remaining in most groups, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde and DR Congo have all positioned themselves as strong contenders for qualification. Meanwhile, Algeria, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal also remain mathematically in contention.
Morocco have emerged as one of Africa’s standout performers so far. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side opened their campaign with a commendable 1-1 draw against Brazil before securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Scotland. The Atlas Lions now sit on four points and lead the race in Group C heading into their final fixture.
Egypt have also enjoyed a strong start to the tournament. Following a draw against Belgium, the Pharaohs boosted their qualification hopes with an impressive 3-1 win over New Zealand. With four points from two matches, Egypt are well placed ahead of a decisive encounter against Iran.
Cape Verde continue to capture global attention with a series of resilient performances. The Blue Sharks held Spain to a goalless draw before earning another valuable point in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Uruguay. A victory over Saudi Arabia could secure the island nation’s first-ever place in the World Cup knockout rounds.
DR Congo have demonstrated determination and resilience on their return to football’s biggest stage. The Leopards earned a memorable 1-1 draw against Portugal and remain in contention as they prepare for their remaining group fixtures.
Ghana, meanwhile, began their campaign on a positive note with victory over Panama. The Black Stars now face a crucial clash against England, with a positive result potentially moving them significantly closer to qualification before their final group match against Croatia.
Elsewhere, Algeria revived their hopes with a dramatic comeback victory over Jordan after suffering an opening defeat to Argentina. South Africa also remain in the race following a hard-fought draw against Czechia, having previously fallen 2-0 to tournament hosts Mexico.
Despite a setback against Germany, Côte d’Ivoire still control their own destiny and remain capable of advancing. Senegal, who reached the quarter-finals in 2002 and the Round of 16 in 2022, also retain hopes of progression and will need a victory over Iraq to keep their campaign alive.
Tunisia became the first African nation to be eliminated from the tournament after failing to pick up a point from their opening matches.
African Teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026 (as of 23 June)
• Morocco – 4 points (Well placed)
• Egypt – 4 points (Well placed)
• Cape Verde – 2 points (Unbeaten)
• DR Congo – 1 point (In contention)
• Ghana – 3 points (In contention)
• Algeria – 3 points (In contention)
• South Africa – 1 point (In contention)
• Côte d’Ivoire – 3 points (In contention)
• Senegal – 0 points (In contention)
• Tunisia – 0 points (Eliminated)
