Only two African countries have advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite nine qualifying for the Round of 32.
Egypt became the continent’s latest team to advance after defeating Australia in a tense penalty shootout.
The Pharaohs upset Australia 4-2 on penalties in their Round of 32 encounter on Friday, which ended 1-1 after extra time.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the first half, but Mohamed Hany’s own goal equalized in the 55th minute.
With neither side able to win after 120 minutes, Egypt held their composure in the shootout to go to the round of 16.
Egypt achieved their first knockout-stage victory at a FIFA World Cup.
They will meet Argentina in the Round of 16 after the defending champions defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time in another Round of 32 match.
Morocco became the continent’s first Round of 16 qualifier.
The Atlas Lions upset the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
They will play co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday (today).
Africa’s chances of making a deeper run in the tournament were dashed after eight of its representatives withdrew.
Côte d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Norway, Canada defeated South Africa 1-0, Switzerland defeated Algeria 2-0, DR Congo lost 2-1 to England, Senegal lost 3-2 to Belgium, Ghana was beaten 1-0 by Colombia, and Cape Verde narrowly lost 3-2 after extra time to Argentina.
Algeria was eliminated during the group stage and did not advance to the Round of 32.
With Egypt and Morocco leading the continent’s ambitions, Africa will now try to win a spot in the quarter-finals when both teams play their Round of 16 games.
