Black Stars Among Nine African Nations in World Cup 2026 Knockouts — A Historic Continent Showing

Africa has never been better represented at a FIFA World Cup knockout stage, with nine of the continent's ten teams advancing to the Round of 32 at the 2026 tournament. Ghana, Algeria, DR Congo, Egypt, Cape Verde, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa all survived the group phase, leaving Tunisia as the sole African side to exit at the earliest opportunity after losing all their group matches.

The Black Stars finished third in Group L on four points, recording a 1-0 win over Panama, a goalless draw with England and a 2-1 defeat to Croatia. That was enough for Ghana to advance as one of the tournament's best third-placed sides, setting up a Round of 32 clash with Colombia.

Africa's Heavyweights Impress

Morocco, who famously reached the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, continued their upward trajectory by accumulating seven points in the group stage — level with group winners Brazil — and will face the Netherlands in the next round. Cape Verde, enjoying another historic campaign, finished second behind Spain and will take on defending champions Argentina, while Egypt progressed with five points and meet Australia on Friday, 3rd July.

• Algeria (4 points) face Switzerland on Friday, 3rd July at 3 a.m. Ghana time.
• Senegal, who finished third in their group, are drawn against Belgium.
• DR Congo will battle England, Côte d'Ivoire face Norway, and South Africa take on co-hosts Canada.

South Africa, who opened the entire tournament on 11th June, begin their knockout campaign on Sunday, 28th June at 7 p.m. against Canada. Ghanaian fans can follow that match live on Joy Prime, with radio commentary available on Joy 99.7 FM and Hitz 103.9 FM.

With nine African nations still standing, the continent enters the Round of 32 with unprecedented momentum. Football fans across Ghana and Africa will be hoping this historic group-stage performance translates into an equally memorable knockout run.