Nine of Africa’s ten representatives progressed beyond the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In a report published on Monday, July 20, FIFA highlighted the continued progress of African football despite the continent failing to secure a place in the semi-finals.
FIFA praised the performances of African contingent at the tournament which Spain won after beating Argentina 1-0 on extra-time last Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.
In a review published on its official website, world football’s governing body noted that nine of the ten representatives of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the knockout stage, marking a first since Africa’s World Cup quota was increased to ten teams.
“African teams made their continent proud,” FIFA said, noting that CAF representatives added 11 victories to their overall World Cup record.
Morocco achieved the best African performance by reaching the quarter-finals. The Atlas Lions held Brazil to a 1-1 draw, defeated Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2, before eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and then overcoming Canada 3-0 in the round of 16. Their run ended with a 2-0 defeat to France.
Egypt also made its mark at the tournament by reaching the round of 16. After two draws against Belgium and Iran, the Pharaohs defeated New Zealand 3-1 before eliminating Australia on penalties. They were then knocked out by Argentina in a 3-2 comeback defeat after holding a two-goal lead until the 79th minute.
Ivory Coast exited the competition in the round of 32 after a campaign that included victories over Ecuador and Curaçao, while Senegal were eliminated at the same stage by Belgium (3-2 after extra time) after surrendering a two-goal advantage in the final minutes of regulation time.
Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Algeria and South Africa also reached the round of 32 before being eliminated by Colombia, England, Switzerland and Canada respectively.
Tunisia, meanwhile, were the only African side to exit the tournament during the group stage.
According to FIFA, the last World Cup confirms the continued rise of African football on the global stage, both through the number of qualified teams and the performances throughout the competition.
SS/Sf/lb/as/APA