Morocco Advances As The Only African Team As Round Of 16 Race Continues

Africa’s hopes of a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup now rest on Morocco, the only African nation to have officially secured a place in the Round of 16 as of Thursday, July 2, while five other teams are still battling for qualification in the newly expanded knockout format.

The 2026 tournament introduced a Round of 32 following the expansion from 32 to 48 teams, allowing a record nine African nations to progress from the group stage. However, the first wave of knockout matches has proved unforgiving, with several of the continent’s representatives falling agonisingly short.

Morocco became Africa’s first and, so far, only confirmed Round of 16 qualifier after edging the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Atlas Lions recovered from a late deficit before prevailing 3-2 on penalties to book a meeting with co-hosts Canada on July 4 in Houston.

Elsewhere, Africa has endured a series of painful exits.

South Africa’s historic campaign ended in heartbreak after conceding in stoppage time during a 1-0 defeat to Canada.

Côte d’Ivoire also bowed out despite a spirited performance, losing 2-1 to Norway after Erling Haaland’s decisive goal sent the Europeans into the last 16.

DR Congo’s dream run came to an end against England. The Central Africans took the lead but were undone by two late Harry Kane goals in a 2-1 defeat.

Senegal suffered perhaps the cruellest exit of all. The Lions of Teranga were leading Belgium 2-0 with just minutes remaining before the Red Devils mounted a stunning comeback, equalising in regulation time and sealing a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory through a Youri Tielemans penalty after a VAR review.

With those eliminations confirmed, five African nations remain in contention for the remaining Round of 16 places:

• Algeria vs Switzerland — July 2
• Egypt vs Australia — July 3
• Cabo Verde vs Argentina — July 3
• Ghana vs Colombia — July 3

Victory in those matches would see the respective winners join Morocco in the last 16.

As things stand, Morocco is the only African team guaranteed to feature in the Round of 16. The final number of African representatives will not be known until the remaining Round of 32 fixtures conclude on Friday.

The continent has already made history by sending a record number of teams into the knockout stage, but whether Africa can match or surpass Morocco’s memorable semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup will depend on the outcome of the remaining Round of 32 ties over the next 24 hours.