Africa sends nine teams to knockout stage of 2026 World Cup

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.

• 9:12 AMYahoo Sports — African nations made the most of World Cup expansion. Others did not.