Africa sends nine teams to knockout stage of 2026 World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 9:12 AM
Last updated Jul 1, 2026
At the 2026 World Cup, nine African teams advanced to the round of 32, marking a significant jump from five in 2022. Overall, 10 CAF teams qualified for the tournament, leading to a 90% advancement rate for the confederation. In contrast, South American teams improved from four to five in the knockout rounds, while Asian teams saw a drop, with only two qualifying. The European confederation maintained its numbers with 13 teams advancing. Mixed results emerged for the African teams, with Morocco progressing past the Netherlands but South Africa and Ivory Coast eliminated. Remaining African teams competing include Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, and Senegal.
- •CAF qualified 10 teams for the 2026 World Cup, nine reached the knockout stage.
- •Morocco advanced, while South Africa and Ivory Coast were eliminated.
- •South America improved from four to five teams in the knockout rounds.
- •Asian teams declined from six to two representatives in the round of 32.
- •Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, and Senegal are yet to compete.
- 9:12 AMYahoo Sports — African nations made the most of World Cup expansion. Others did not.
"The 2026 World Cup expansion created a new comparison point. Africa made the biggest jump, sending nine teams to the round of 32.
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