World Cup: Three African Countries Seek To Join Morocco In Round Of 16 After Six Eliminated

Three African nations—Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana—will be aiming to keep Africa’s hopes alive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday as they compete for places in the Round of 16.

Morocco remain the only African team to have secured qualification after defeating the Netherlands in a dramatic Round of 32 clash. The Atlas Lions drew 1-1 after extra time before winning the penalty shootout to advance.

Africa entered the expanded tournament with a record 10 representatives and enjoyed an impressive group-stage campaign, with nine teams progressing to the knockout rounds. Tunisia were the only African nation eliminated before the Round of 32.

Since the knockout stage began, however, six African teams have exited the competition. South Africa lost 1-0 to Canada, Ivory Coast were beaten 2-1 by Norway, DR Congo suffered a 2-1 defeat to England, Senegal lost 3-2 to Belgium after extra time, Algeria fell 2-0 to Switzerland, while Morocco eliminated the Netherlands on penalties to remain Africa’s sole surviving team.

Friday’s fixtures present another opportunity for the continent to increase its representation in the Round of 16.

Egypt will begin the day’s action against Australia in Dallas, hoping to continue one of their strongest World Cup campaigns in recent history.

Cape Verde, one of the tournament’s surprise packages, will then face world champions Argentina in Miami, seeking a famous upset and a historic place in the next round.

Later, Ghana will take on Colombia in Kansas City. A victory for the Black Stars would send the four-time African champions into the Round of 16 and strengthen Africa’s presence in the competition.

By the end of Friday’s matches, Africa could have as many as four teams in the Round of 16. However, if Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana all lose, Morocco will remain the continent’s only representative in the next stage of the tournament.