Three of Africa’s nine representatives have already played their round of 32 fixtures. The tally so far: two eliminations, one qualification courtesy of the Atlas Lions against the Netherlands. Six more African sides have yet to take the field at this stage.
Africa entered the 2026 World Cup with nine representatives, a historic showing on the world stage. Three of them have already learned their fate in the round of 32, and the results are a mixed bag.
Morocco was the good news of the day. The Atlas Lions defeated the Netherlands and booked their place in the round of 16, continuing the sustained rise of the Moroccan national team on the international stage since their historic semi-final run at Qatar 2022. (Score and match details to be added by the editorial team.)
On the other hand, the tournament ends here for South Africa and Ivory Coast, both eliminated at this round of 32 stage. Two exits that leave a bittersweet taste, but they don’t dampen the enthusiasm around Africa’s overall run in this World Cup.
Six African sides still have their round of 32 matches ahead of them in the coming days. The suspense remains wide open, and every match will count to keep a strong African presence in the rounds ahead.
Good luck, Africa. 🇲🇦🇿🇦🇨🇮