Africa now has two teams left at the 2026 World Cup. Morocco and Egypt are the only African sides in the Round of 16.
Eight other African teams were knocked out in the Round of 32. This was Africa’s biggest World Cup ever with 10 teams.
Morocco and Egypt move on
Morocco was first to go through. They drew 1-1 with the Netherlands after extra time, then won 3-2 on penalties.
The Atlas Lions then beat hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston on Saturday.
Egypt also made history. The Pharaohs drew 1-1 with Australia, then won 4-2 on penalties. It was Egypt’s first ever win in a World Cup knockout game.
They will face holders Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Sub-Saharan teams go out
The rest of Africa lost in the Round of 32.
Côte d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Norway. DR Congo fell 2-1 to England. Senegal lost 3-2 to Belgium in extra time.
South Africa lost 1-0 to Canada. Ghana lost 1-0 to Colombia. Cape Verde lost 3-2 to Argentina in extra time.
Algeria and Tunisia did not get out of the group stage.
North Africa leads, but experts urge caution
2 North African teams are still in. All 8 Sub-Saharan teams are out.
Analysts say Morocco and Egypt have more experience. Many of their players play in Europe. Morocco also has belief after reaching the semi-finals in 2022.
Both teams defend well, hit teams on the counter, and win penalties.
But experts say it is too early to call this a trend. Sub-Saharan Africa sent a record 8 teams. Most lost by just one goal to big teams.
“Right now North Africa is doing better,” one analyst said. “But it does not mean Sub-Saharan football is behind. It just means North Africa took their chances in 2026.”
Best group stage, hard knockouts
Nine African teams reached the Round of 32. That is a record for Africa. But only two reached the Round of 16.
The last 16 now has 7 European teams, 4 South American, 3 from North and Central America, and 2 from Africa.
Morocco wants to match its 2022 run to the semi-finals. Egypt wants to reach its first quarter-final.
The World Cup ends on July 19.
