Only Morocco through so far, Egypt, Cape Verde & Ghana still in fight
By Kingsley Emmanuel
Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has taken a major hit after five teams were eliminated in the Round of 32.
The Exits
South Africa 0-1 Canada
Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway
DR Congo 1-2 England
Senegal 2-3 Belgium AET
Algeria 0-2 Switzerland
Africa’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a significant blow after five of the continent’s representatives were knocked out in the Round of 32.
South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal and Algeria have all seen their World Cup campaigns come to an end after suffering knockout defeats.
South Africa were edged 1-0 by Canada, Ivory Coast lost 2-1 to Norway, DR Congo fell 2-1 to England, Senegal were beaten 3-2 by Belgium after extra time, while Algeria suffered a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland.
With those exits, Morocco remain the only African nation to have already secured a place in the Round of 16 after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties.
Meanwhile, Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana are still battling to keep Africa’s hopes alive as they prepare for their Round of 32 fixtures.
The continent will be hoping that its remaining representatives can progress deeper into the tournament and continue Africa’s push for a historic World Cup campaign.
