NEW DELHI: Africa has achieved its best results in history FIFA World Cupwith nine of its 10 teams reaching the last 16 of the tournament in 2026. It is the first time so many African nations have qualified for the knockout stages. The previous record was set by just two teams, set at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when Algeria and Nigeria advanced. The only African team that was absent this time was Tunisia.
Nine nations book their place in the knockout stage
After 17 days of group stage, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, DR Congo and Cabo Verde secured places in the round of 16.This remarkable achievement underlines the growing strength of African football on the world stage.
Algeria is experiencing a late drama
Algeria sealed qualification after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria.The game appeared to be going in Algeria’s favor when captain Riyad Mahrez scored late in stoppage time to make it 3-2. However, Austria equalized with almost the last shot of the match.A draw was enough for both teams to qualify for the knockout phase.
DR Congo is making history
DR Congo reached the knockout round for the first time after beating Uzbekistan 3-1.Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan an early lead, but DR Congo fought back in the second half.Yoane Wissa equalized from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele gave his side the lead. Wissa then added another goal in stoppage time to complete the comeback.The win was also DR Congo’s first World Cup victory. They will now face England in the round of 16.
Cabo Verde continues the fairy tale
World Cup debutants Cabo Verde also made history by reaching the knockout stages without winning a single group game.The Blue Sharks have drawn all three games, including impressive results against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.They became the first team since Chile at the 1998 World Cup to advance from the group stage without winning a match.Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha also entered the record book. At the age of 40, he became only the third goalkeeper in the history of the World Cup, after Peter Shilton and Dino Zoff, to keep a clean sheet more than once after the age of 40.
Morocco continues to impress
Morocco, who became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, once again showed their quality.They drew 1-1 with Brazil during the group stage and go into the knockout round as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
