Former France international Thierry Henry is thrilled to see African teams flourish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after nine of the continent’s ten qualified teams made it to the Round of 32.
Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, Congo, and Algeria all advanced to the knockout stage, setting new African records.
Previously, the continent had the highest presence in the knockout rounds of a single World Cup, with two countries during the 32-team tournament era.
According to Opta, Africa currently has the highest knockout stage qualification rate in the expanded event, with 90% of its teams advancing.
CONMEBOL is ranked second, with five of its six representatives progressing, marking an 83% success percentage, while UEFA had 13 of its 16 teams reach the Round of 32, representing an 81% qualification rate.
Henry, who is working as a commentator for Fox Sports during the event, commented on African football’s continuous progress and praised the continent’s national teams for acquiring dual-nationality players early in their careers.
“Obviously, having more teams in the competition allows countries to have these opportunities, but it’s not only African countries at the end of the day,” Henry said.
“You talk about guys who can play for two countries. You have Balogun with the US, and we have Michael Olise, who picked France.
“Back in the day, we had different guys with different roots who were born and raised in France, but now a lot of African countries are recruiting those players much earlier.
“I know how those teams are and how good they are, and it’s so nice to see African teams do well.”
