From the Group Stage to the Quarterfinals: How Africa Performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Africa arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in force, and the continent left having rewritten its own history books. In a historic showing, nine of Africa’s ten representatives successfully reached the Round of 32. This marks the first time the continent has ever advanced such a high proportion of its teams through the group stage. Before this expanded 48-team tournament, the maximum number of African teams to ever reach the World Cup knockout stage in a single edition was two. This year, nine went through.

Here is exactly how the historic campaign unfolded.

The Group Stage

Only Tunisia failed to advance from the opening stage, missing out on qualification in a challenging Group F. The remaining nine African representatives secured their progress. Collectively, African teams recorded 10 wins, 10 losses, and 10 draws during the group stage—a perfectly balanced record that proved more than enough to secure spots in the expanded knockout format.

Morocco led the charge for the continent, holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw on their way to finishing second in Group C. Egypt made history by recording their first ever World Cup match win before finishing second in Group G.

Defender Yasser Ibrahim celebrates scoring his 15th-minute header past Argentina at Atlanta Stadium. Photo Credit: CAF/Instagram

Meanwhile, debutants Cabo Verde became one of the most remarkable stories of the entire tournament. Going unbeaten with three draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, they advanced in style from Group H.

At the heart of this fairytale run was their veteran 40-year-old goalkeeper, Josimar José Évora Dias, affectionately…