The Final Two! Egypt & Morocco Keep Africa’s Historic World Cup Journey Alive

Ten African nations qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest ever African contingent at a World Cup. Nine of them made it out of the group stage. And now, after a breathless Round of 32, two remain: Egypt and Morocco. If the group stage was Africa’s statement of arrival, the knockout rounds are where the real story begins.

Every team that has gone home left something behind worth remembering. Tunisia gave it everything in a tough group. Algeria pushed Switzerland all the way. South Africa made their knockout stage debut and showed the world exactly why they belonged there. Ghana were competitive until Colombia edged them out at Kansas City. Ivory Coast took Norway to the wire before Erling Haaland‘s late winner ended their campaign. DR Congo led England and had the Leopards dreaming of one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, before Harry Kane turned the game on its head. Senegal led Belgium 2-0 with four minutes of normal time remaining and still somehow ended up on the wrong side of a 3-2 scoreline in extra time. And Cabo Verde, in their very first World Cup, pushed defending champions Argentina all the way to extra time before going out 3-2, leaving the tournament as its most beloved story. Each exit stung, but each team made Africa proud in the process.

Sidny Lopes Cabral celebrates with supporters during Cabo Verde’s historic knockout stage run. Photo Credit: Fabrizio Romano/Instagram

Now, the baton passes to Egypt and Morocco.

Egypt’s story at this World Cup has been nothing short of historic. Arriving with Mohamed Salah leading the line at what many believe is his last World Cup, the Pharaohs…