Two African Teams Move On, Eight Teams Out of World Cup

Out of 10 African teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only two have moved on to the Round of 16. Nine teams made it to the Round of 32, but only Egypt and Morocco are still in the race.

Egypt is the latest team to qualify after a tense penalty shootout win against Australia. The Pharaohs won 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regular and extra time.

Emam Ashour scored first for Egypt in the first half. However, Mohamed Hany's own goal equalized for Australia in the 55th minute. Neither team scored again, and after 120 minutes, Egypt held their nerve in the shootout.

This win is Egypt's first knockout-stage victory in any FIFA World Cup. Next, they will face Argentina, who won 3-2 against Cape Verde after extra time in another Round of 32 match.

Morocco was the first African team to qualify for the Round of 16. The Atlas Lions beat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time.

They will play against Canada, the co-hosts, in the Round of 16 today. With eight African teams out of the tournament, hopes for a stronger showing from the continent faded.

Côte d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Norway. Canada defeated South Africa 1-0, while Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0. DR Congo lost 2-1 to England, Senegal fell 3-2 to Belgium, Ghana lost 1-0 to Colombia, and Cape Verde narrowly lost 3-2 to Argentina after extra time.

Algeria did not make it past the group stage and did not reach the Round of 32. Now, with only Egypt and Morocco left, Africa hopes to see one of them reach the quarter-finals.