Africa made history at 2026 FIFA World Cup,with nine out of ten teams advancing to Round of 32. Shatters old record. Just two African teams ever reached knockout stage before in any single tournament.
After 17 days of fierce matches,teams securing spots include Morocco,South Africa,Senegal,Ivory Coast,Ghana,Egypt,Algeria,Democratic Republic of Congo,and Cabo Verde . Tunisia's the only one missing out on knockout rounds.
Group stage's end was dramatic: Algeria drew 3-3 with Austria. Captain Riyad Mahrez almost sealed victory with a late goal,but Austria equalized in stoppage time. Both teams move on.
Democratic Republic of Congo hit a milestone,grabbing first-ever World Cup victory — a 3-1 defeat of Uzbekistan. First triumph secured debut in knockout phase . They'll face England next.
Cabo Verde's journey? Unbelievable. Advanced from group stage without a win. First since Chile in 1998 to do this. Goalless draws with Saudi Arabia,Uruguay,and a strong showing against Spain .
Individual accolades: veteran goalkeeper Vozinha,at 40,joined elite club. Only three goalkeepers in World Cup history recorded multiple clean sheets after turning 40. Now stands with England's Peter Shilton,Italy's Dino Zoff.
Morocco,first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal in 2022,keeps impressing. Held Brazil to 1-1 draw in group stage. Showing their strength.
While Africa celebrates,Asia sees just two reps in Round of 32: Japan and Australia. Socceroos made it through Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers. What does this mean for future tournaments…
