Africa had set a new record, sending nine of its teams to the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. But two of them remain. All the others have been eliminated. Ghana was the last African team to play in the second round, which was also defeated 1-0 by Colombia. The two teams that remain in the challenge are Morocco and Egypt. 

Morocco surprised everyone by making the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago. With Egypt also playing for the quarter-finals along with Morocco, all the hopes of Africa will rest on these two teams. Canada will face Canada in the last 16 match in Houston. Egypt, who won a penalty shootout over Australia, will face Argentina. 

That is, Lionel Messi and his team as defending champions. The match will be held in Atlanta on Tuesday. Cape Verde beat Argentina 3-2 on Friday in extra time, with the possibility of a penalty shootout. The match is considered one of the best and most exciting games of the World Cup.

DR Congo coach Savastin Desabre says, “It is a proud achievement for us that so many African teams have reached the last 32.” So far, three African teams have not reached the last 16, the most of them are only two. Senegal also reached the last 16 in Qatar along with Morocco. Algeria and Nigeria achieved a similar feat in 2014. These teams did not go further. 

Ghanaian forward Brendan Thomas says, “For a long time, there was a perception that African teams could not do anything good in big tournaments. Recently, this perception has changed. There is no shortage of talent among African players. There are good players in other parts of the world, Africa is no exception.'

Congo also had a long one-goal lead over England, until Harry Kane scored twice. Belgium also needed two goals towards the end of regulation time to win over Senegal. Belgium only won in extra time. Ivory Coast also challenged Norway, until Erling Haaland scored towards the end of the game.